The summer is a perfect time to get your motorcycle out and go exploring on California’s beautiful highways.
Of course, long-distance rides in places you’re not familiar with also lead to a certain level of risk, so it is important to use these safe riding tips everywhere you go:
Use proper safety gear
Get a certified helmet that will help reduce the odds of a head injury in an accident. Wear a leather jacket that helps protect your skin from the pavement. Get a good pair of riding boots. This may not be as comfortable when it gets hot, but it really can protect you in a wreck.
Consider reflective clothes and bright colors
Motorcycle riders are known for wearing dark colors, but these are actually the worst colors to wear. They make you blend into the road. Motorcycles are already hard to spot because they’re so small. Wear bright, reflective clothes so that you stand out.
Become a defensive driver
Be cautious. Anticipate mistakes that other drivers make. Remember, the odds that you will be hurt or killed are far higher since you have so little protection. Always do what you can to avoid a crash, even when you have the right of way and you’ve done nothing wrong.
Practice, practice, practice
You want your motorcycle riding skills to be as finely tuned as possible. If you haven’t ridden in a while, consider some short practice rides before that long trek.
Naturally, even these safety tips will not prevent all accidents. If you get hit by another driver, make sure you know what legal options you have.
Source: Geico, “Motorcycle Safety Tips,” accessed June 14, 2018