Can motorcycles be safer than cars?

By Gino Borlado

It's not surprising that many people assume that motorcycles are inherently dangerous and that their only purpose is to get you from point A to point B in the quickest way possible. But in reality, motorcycles are incredibly safe. Many things make motorcycles safer than cars, and you can learn how to make them safer. 

Safety is a mindset and a habit

I am reminded of J.R.R. Tolkien in The Lord of The Rings, when Bilbo Baggins said, "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."

The reality of life is that accidents happen all the time, whether walking, biking, riding a car, or enjoying a weekend ride with your buddies on your Harley. You double the chances of getting into an accident if you have the wrong attitude and behaviour or lack discipline. 

It takes discipline and training to stay safe on a motorcycle, and it's worth the effort. But you must have both a positive mindset and an actionable plan of defence in place. You must think about safety and be ready for danger before it hits you.

Motorcycles are designed for safety

Safety is a function of design and use, which is beneficial for an extended period if the equipment is used properly. Motorcycles were designed to be ridden but also intended to be as safe as possible. Motorcycle manufacturers have learned how to make bikes that handle better and protect riders from the most common types of accidents.

They understand how to build safe motorcycles and the best ways to prevent riders from being injured. Honda, Yamaha, Kymco, and many other motorcycle manufacturers have continuously improved their motorcycles' and scooters' functionality, features, and design to ensure rider safety. 

Ten Ways to Make Motorcycle Riding Safe

Motorcycles are not always safe, but they can be made safe through proper design and by following these ten simple guidelines. 

1. Wear protective gear.

Continually wearing the right protective gear can and will save your life. In addition to helmets, gloves, boots, eye protection, and a properly fitted leather jacket or jacket with optional shoulder, back, elbow and knee protectors can also save you from severe injury or even death. So, if you plan to get yourself a riding gear set, look for quality protective gear designed specifically for motorcycle riding. 

2. Stay out of harm's way.

Even though many motorcycle riders ride like bikers on this country's roadways, that doesn't mean they are immune from the dangers of the roads. The best way to avoid crashes is by staying out of the path of oncoming vehicles and being mindful of what's behind you and in front of you to avoid a head-on collision. Even if there's no one around, check your mirrors regularly.

3. Be cautious when turning corners.

Many times, accidents happen due to poor turning techniques. To minimize the risk of crashing when making a turn, ensure sufficient clearance between you and oncoming traffic. Also, slow down before entering a turn to see and assess the situation ahead of you. Never go too fast into a curve because it takes much time to recover the speed lost on the straight-away. If there is an immediate need to accelerate, you can slow down gradually on the way and out of a corner.

4. Learn how to ride and avoid distractions.

To get the most out of a motorcycle, you must be able to control its momentum; this means that you must be in the present. When riding, you must focus on what is happening in front of you and concentrate on your road performance. Distracted by things outside the bike can result in you missing an opportunity to save yourself or your passenger from harm. For instance, if you're fidgeting with your smartphone to find a song to listen to, you can easily miss the car coming up behind you at speed. Don't text and ride. And do not drink alcohol if you plan to ride your motorcycle; this is dangerous. The amount of alcohol in your system can affect your perception and coordination.

5. Keep your hands on the handlebars.

You're riding a two-wheeled motorcycle. That means you need to keep both hands on the handlebars. While we understand that being able to shift gears or stop quickly is essential, having the proper hand placement on the handlebar ensures your safety and that of other motorists. We've all seen one motorcycle rider riding erratically, not holding the handlebars properly, and ending up in the ditch.  

6. Know where you're going.

It sounds straightforward, but if you know where you are going, you'll have a better idea of how to stay safe. Get one if you don't have a map or a GPS device. However, don't completely trust your GPS device when you're on a motorcycle; the signal your device receives can be affected by many variables, making you miss turns or be miles from where you intended. 

7. Take extra precautions when riding at night.

If you are riding at night, be extra vigilant about your surroundings. Watch out for traffic, other motorists who may be distracted, or people or animals crossing the road in the dark. If you can, avoid riding at night, especially if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. 

8. Never park in a known dangerous area. 

Parking in an area known for vandalism, violence, or theft is always bad. Try parking at a shopping centre or near a business. It's much safer than a secluded location.

9. Avoid riding in extreme weather conditions.

Protecting yourself and your bike from rain, snow, hail, and sleet is best. Check the weather forecast before heading out on a long ride. Plan and carry the right gear. Keep a flashlight, first-aid kit, and extra clothing in your pack. Consider changing your route or turning back early if it's snowing heavily. 

10. Keep your bike in good condition all the time. 

Make sure it is safe for you to ride. Inspect your brakes, chain, tires, gears, and other parts regularly. Keep your helmet up to date and make sure it fits properly. Your motorcycle should be well maintained with no significant problems that could cause injury if it falls. 

Conclusion

As you can see, it's possible to make the motorcycle ride safe, but besides that, all elements of a safe ride point to the rider. The key is to practice good habits that will make you safer on the road. Be aware of traffic, pay attention to your surroundings, and wear your helmet. 

You might even want to take a local motorcycle safety class training course. If you follow these tips and maintain a safe riding attitude, you should have a fun and safe experience when riding a motorcycle.