Motorcycle Riding Tips By: Jazel Tennings Motorcycles can be a terrific option for commuting. They burn a lot less fuel than cars, they take up less room on the road and in parking lots, and they're just plain pleasurable to ride. The bad news is that they're more dangerous to drive than cars. There are some things you can do to make it as safe as practical. Motorcycles are less visible than cars. So no matter how good a driver you are, there's an increased chance that other drivers sharing the highway with you won't see you before it's too late. For your own safety, you need to take the extra step to make sure that you're seen. Stay out of other drivers' blind spots. Don't approach another car so swiftly that they don't have time to observe you. Be obvious. Yes, other drivers should be vigilant, but experience shows us that they miss seeing motorcycles from time to time. Since you are the one most likely to be hurt in a crash, it's in your best interest to make the extra effort. Weather conditions have a greater influence on motorcycles than they do on cars. Wet, icy or slippery roads, decreased visibility due to fog, wind - all of these conditions increase the probability of an accident no matter what kind of vehicle you are driving. But motorcycles are more at risk than cars are. Instead of four thick tires to grip the road, you have two thin tires. The driver maintains balance rather than the car and can be thrown off by a strong wind. The size of a bike already makes you harder to see. Add weather-related visibility challenges, and you really have a problem. What can you do? Avoid riding your bike in poor weather conditions. Drive a car or truck that day or take the bus. It's just not worth the risk. Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable. In a car, you have a steel cage all around you. Cars are designed so that if they crumple, the passenger space is still as secure as possible. Motorcycles don't have that opportunity. There's nothing to defend you at all. You need to wear a helmet and protective clothes. The helmet, of course, is the most important safety equipment. It protects your head in case of a crash. But don't forget long sleeves and long pants - if at all possible leather. They could keep you from a painful road rash. Take good care of your bike. Any vehicle could fail if not properly maintained, the penalties to you are just greater if that vehicle is a motorbike. So make sure your motorcycle is always in tip top shape mechanically. You need to rely on your brakes, your accelerator and everything else. Your life could depend on it. Lastly, get reliable insurance, both medical insurance and motorcycle insurance. No matter how alert you are, accidents do happen. Be sure that if something regrettable happens, you have insurance that will cover your medical expenses, legal responsibility and the repairs to your motorbike. About the Author: Written by Lini Cocoa: Affordable Motorcycle Insurance, Online Motorcycle Insurance Quotes Related Articles Boat detailing The main factors that cause printer ink cartridges and toner cartridges to break down. Motorcycle Jacket Luxury Bighorn Fifth Wheels From Michigan s Largest RV Dealer The Benefits Of Cold Air Intakes Truck Parts And Accessories Protect Your Health With Motorcycle Rain Gear The Joy Of Caravan Holidays Attempting Your Own Auto Repair How To Find Cheap Car Insurance In California Tri Axle Dump Truck Top 5 Things to Look for in Stylish Motorcycle Apparel Painting Your Boat The Inexpensive Way The Best Picks In Car Accessories Cheap RV Rental Equipped With Many Features Calling On A Gresham Lock Service