Scooter and motorcycle safety - Riding on a motorcycle is fun and exciting. Nothing feels better on a warm afternoon then being on one, feeling the light breeze and the sun as you travel. However, it is vital that you take motorcycle safety very seriously as it only takes a second for you to be involved in an accident.

 

Keep in mind that you don’t have the protection of a vehicle around you. Your motorcycle and your body are going to come into direct contact with another vehicle as well as the road.

 

Most accidents involving motorcycles are the result of another vehicle not being able to see the motorcycle.  Motorcycle riders need to drive attentively, understanding that other vehicle drivers won’t always be able to see them.

 

Operating a motorcycle doesn’t mean you have any special privileges on the streets or the highways. 

 

Group riding techniques - Motorcycle riders often travel together, and they like to ride side by side. This is a safety hazard for everyone. Each rider needs to remain in single file and pay attention to what is going on around them. This also needs no wheelie tricks or excessive speeds while traveling.

 

The eyes have it - It is very important to always wear eye protection and a helmet when you are riding on a motorcycle. In many states, it is mandatory. It is very easy to get a bug, dust, or other debris in your eye while riding a motorcycle if you don’t have eye protection on. A helmet can save your life as a head injury will be less likely than without one.

  

Many motorcycle accidents are the result of road conditions. Pay attention to the road and watch for areas of spills, sand, water, or foreign items. We have all seen boards, wood pieces, and even furniture on the road. Can you imagine hitting such an object with a motorcycle? Likewise, watch for such items being hit by another vehicle and becoming airborne. Be extra careful when riding in the rain, and try very hard not to ride sleet, or snow. From an overall scooter and motorcycle safety viewpoint, the risk is too great.

 

Operating a motorcycle is a great way to spend your leisure time. It is also a very cost effective way of commuting to and from work. Operating a motorcycle is also a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You need to be more assertive and observant of your surroundings on a motorcycle than you do when operating a car. Make sure you have plenty of experience on how your motorcycle functions before you attempt to ride it in a location where there are other vehicles.

 

In our opinion, safe riding means properly trained and attired motorcyclist.   First get the proper training through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or other recognized motorcycle safety course. 

 

In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed an excellant as well as extensive Motorcycle Safety Program that addresses many of the safety issues we have covered here.

 

While we will discuss scooter and motorcycle safety related attire in other pages, we want to focus on the role of the motorcycle helmet here. 

 

 

Safety equipment - Having the proper safety equipment is very important when you are operating or riding on a motorcycle. While a helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment, it will only protect you if it the right type of helmet and it fits properly.

 

Have you ever seen a young child riding on a motorcycle wearing an adult size helmet? In the event of an accident, the helmet would offer no protection to the child’s skull at all.

 

It is very important that you try on any motorcycle helmet to ensure a proper fit. If you decide to make a purchase over the Internet or from a catalog, make sure you are able to return it for a refund if it doesn’t fit well. Keep in mind that each manufacturer sizes their helmets differently.

 

Size matters - Just because you currently own a size large doesn’t mean that is what you will wear in a different brand. For best results through the mail or Internet, measure the circumference of your head and ask them to give you the helmet dimensions. Never purchase a used motorcycle helmet because it may have been involved in an accident and it won’t protect you as it was designed to.

 

For the best results, try on motorcycle helmets with any accessories you will generally have while riding. For example, many women like to have their hair in a ponytail but may have it straight while trying on a helmet. If you wear prescription glasses while operating your motorcycle, then make sure you take them with you when you are trying on helmets.

 

The lid must fit your noggin - A motorcycle helmet needs to fit very securely. Make sure it surrounds your entire head. The chin straps are adjustable but put them in place to ensure you can get them tight enough to fit your face shape.

 

You should also try on the same brand of helmet in one size larger and one size smaller just to make sure you do in fact have the best fitting helmet for your head. For added comfort, consider getting a motorcycle helmet that offers air vents. You can easily slide them opened or closed to allow more air to circulate while wearing it.

 

Materials - You will find motorcycle helmets made from a variety of materials. For the best in safety and quality, choose one that is made from organic fiberglass and layers of carbon fibers. This combination creates a very powerful shock absorbent shell. You also want to make sure the liner features a three layer system. This will offer you additional shock absorption.

 

If you plan to ride your motorcycle a great deal, consider getting a motorcycle helmet that allows you to easily change the visor. This is a great option for riding during the day and the night. Make sure the visors are fog resistant and offer impact resistance.

 

Make the investment - Investing in a quality helmet that offers the protection you need while riding a motorcycle isn’t going to be cheap, but it may well be one of the most important investments you make in your life. Statistics show that motorcycle riders who wear a helmet have a 35% less chance of suffering from a head injury. You can fit a helmet that fits well and even have it custom painted to match your motorcycle.

 

For more on how to select the right helmet click here.