Kentucky Accident Blog

Mental Strategies to Improve Your Safety as a Motorcyclist

Not So Common Sense about Motorcycle Safety-Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney

DATE:      October 3, 2009

TYPE:      Some less obvious safety tips for motorcyclists.

You can stop anyone on the street and ask them what their ideas are on motorcycle safety and just about all of them will come up with wearing the proper safety equipment.  That could be a helmet and eye protection.  They might even be able to express the need for long pants and sleeves made of a thick material.  Also over the ankle boots and gloves are an important choice in safety attire.

The same person will more than likely describe ways for the motorcyclist to increase their visibility.  This can be done by using reflective strips or decal on both your clothing and motorcycle, wearing bright, light colored clothes and making sure your headlight works.  These are all great ideas to improve safety on the motorcycle.

Another strategy to increase safety is probably not so obvious.  The motorcyclist can apply mental strategies that will help them to see and be seen.  A mental strategy is to constantly search the road for changing conditions and know that you have allowed yourself ample time to react to the change.  Consciously use lane positioning to allow yourself to be seen.   This means putting yourself in the part of the driving lane where you are most visible. The common mental strategies are to avoid weaving in and out of traffic, signal your move way in advance and never ride when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Of equal importance is to learn about your bike and how to ride it before going into heavy traffic.  Be familiar on how to handle it on wet roads, high wind conditions and uneven surfaces.  These tips could save your life.