When you are a beginner on a motorcycle , almost anything can happen. We all have been, and sometimes it’s better to get some advice from people who have been through it before and can advise you. That is why we are going to review the most common mistakes made by beginner motorists and some driving tips to avoid them. According to a study by the World Health Organization, motorcycle drivers are, along with pedestrians, the road safety agents with the highest risk of suffering a traffic accident .
Although on many occasions these mishaps are not the direct responsibility of the motorist, in others they could be avoided if attention is paid and motorists do not make some mistakes that can have much more serious consequences than in the case of car drivers. Below, we review the most common and some driving tips to avoid them:
Index of contents
#1 Speeding
As speed increases, the chances of falling or colliding with a fixed point increase. Therefore, you have to respect the speed limits both in the city and on the highway.
#2 Not buying the right equipment
The helmet is the most important element of a motorcyclist’s kit. To do this, you have to choose only among approved helmets. Also think about safety before design. Choosing the correct size is essential, remember that although it must be tight, it does not have to bother. When people buy their first motorcycle, they often think that since they will only use it to move around the city, they do not need to spend too much on safety equipment. However, you should keep in mind that many motorcycle accidents occur precisely on urban streets. When you ride a motorcycle, the bodywork is your body, so you must wear approved clothing and bet on a good helmet.
#3 Not knowing your motorcycle in depth
Although it seems truism, there are many motorcyclists who do not know their own motorcycle. Read the manual well before you start driving it if you are a novice. There you will find important advice on driving as well as for its maintenance.
#4 Not performing maintenance on your motorcycle
It is just as important to drive safely as it is to perform periodic maintenance on your vehicle. The wear of certain systems, such as brakes or suspension, increases the chances of having an accident.
#5 Driving motorcycles of inadequate size
When choosing your motorcycle, keep in mind that driving one that is bigger than what you can control can cause you more than one scare. Road safety experts insist on the importance of the driver’s posture and the distribution of his weight for safe driving.
#6 Not being attentive to the movements of other vehicles
Do not forget that not all drivers, especially cars, signal their changes of direction and turns. It is highly recommended to pay close attention to the movements that the driver makes inside the vehicle and thus be able to anticipate a possible unexpected turn. You have to have all five senses fully activated.
#7 Not anticipating braking
It is another of the most common errors, especially among novice drivers. Pay close attention on slippery surfaces, crosswalks or gravel floors. Do not make sudden braking either.
#8 Not knowing how to enter the curves
Knowing how to enter curves is a technique that requires some practice. It is quite common not knowing how to lean the bike enough and we end up going off the road and also going in too fast and braking in the middle of the turn. To avoid scares, you have to be calm and enter at the right speed.
#9 Zigzagging between vehicles
Some drivers overtake on the right and circulate between vehicles, especially in the city, increasing the chances of being hit by another vehicle. Therefore, you must always use the left lane to overtake and drive on the right.
#10 Driving with overconfidence
If during the first days everything goes smoothly, it is likely that very soon you will believe that you have mastered the motorcycle and begin to trust yourself. However, riding a motorcycle is a long learning process, even motorcyclists who have traveled thousands of kilometers do not trust it because they know that on the road it is better to stay alert.
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