| Motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable in the | | | | leather clothes or boots can forcibly embed rocks, |
| motoring public. In any collision with a four-wheel | | | | glass and other objects into their flesh. This can have |
| vehicle, a motorcyclist is at a severe disadvantage. | | | | disastrous consequences in pain and suffering which |
| An accident that is just a simple panel-beating | | | | could easily have been avoided. |
| exercise for a car or truck can mean death or | | | | Tip #3: Keep awake and stay sober |
| disability for a motorcyclist. It is not difficult to lose a | | | | Drowsiness and fatigue can seriously impair a |
| limb, seriously damage internal organs, or become | | | | motorcyclist's reflexes and ability to react. Bikers |
| paralysed. | | | | should avoid riding when very fatigued and take |
| Motorcycle Safety Tip #1: Buckle On That Helmet | | | | regular short breaks from driving. Alcohol and other |
| There is often disagreement between those who | | | | drugs also seriously affect judgment and should be |
| believe in wearing a motorcycle helmet and those | | | | strictly avoided when riding a motorcycle. |
| that don't. Commonsense would say it is hard to | | | | Tip #4: Abide By Traffic Laws |
| isolate one single argument from the no-helmet | | | | A substantial number of motorcycle riders involved in |
| brigade that makes any sense. Research statistics | | | | accidents are driving without licenses or are |
| further substantiate the case for wearing helmets, | | | | improperly licensed. Motorcyclists should ensure their |
| showing that huge numbers of motorcyclists escape | | | | license is always up to date, and take care to obey |
| death by wearing them. A very common motorcycle | | | | the traffic laws. A regular refresh of road rules and |
| accident scenario is a rider being thrown off and | | | | local traffic laws is highly recommended, and most |
| landing on their head. For those wearing a good | | | | importantly |
| helmet, serious head injuries can usually be averted. | | | | Tip #5: Bike Safety and planning |
| An ejected rider might end up with a severe | | | | Motorcyclists should perform a motorcycle safety |
| headache, but at least they are alive! | | | | inspection before each ride. Accidents often occur as |
| Even head injuries sustained at low impact can be | | | | a result of mechanical problems. Plan ahead when |
| fatal. A recent case was reported when a stationary | | | | riding in a group. Determine your route in advance |
| motorcyclist was messing around in his driveway, lost | | | | and make sure it is coordinated with the other riders. |
| his balance, fell off the bike and hit his head on the | | | | Tip #6: Continuous learning and improvement |
| concrete driveway. He died from the injury a few | | | | A large percentage of motorcyclists involved in |
| days later. Because he was not going anywhere, he | | | | accidents have had no driver training. Enrolling in a |
| did not have his helmet on. The result was tragic and | | | | motorcycle training course is a good way of |
| could easily have been averted. | | | | developing basic riding skills. Once the basic techniques |
| A helmet is certainly not an iron-clad guarantee that | | | | are acquired, motorcyclists can sharpen their |
| an accident or serious injury will be avoided-no safety | | | | street-riding and accident-avoidance skills by taking an |
| device is. However, wearing a motorcycle helmet will | | | | defensive driving course or advanced program for |
| certainly improve the odds of surviving a motorcycle | | | | motorcyclists. |
| accident. | | | | Motorcyclists have a responsibility to protect |
| Tip #2: Wear brightly-colored, protective clothing | | | | themselves as far as they can. By learning |
| Motorcyclists should always wear the appropriate | | | | motorcycle safety tips such as wearing a good |
| gear for protection and be clearly visible to other | | | | helmet, eye protection, protective clothing, and good |
| motorists. Motorcycle accidents can be pretty | | | | boots, bikers can be better equipped when riding. |
| horrendous. Bikers ejected from their motorcycle can | | | | You know it makes sense! |
| skid along the bitumen, and without protective | | | | |