How to Avoid a Motorcycle Crash

How to Avoid a Motorcycle Crash - Part 1

How to Avoid a Motorcycle Crash - Part 1
Crashing a Motorcycle is something all riders want to avoid. Many people think if you have the reaction time to position yourself for a motorcycle crash you have time to either avoid the crash or at least minimize the effects of it. Driver's efforts should be towards avoiding a motorcycle crash, not thinking about falling off, that is mental as well as physical effort.
If motorcycle drivers mentally prepare to lay the bike down they are more likely to do it and when they do, they are completely unable to affect the direction or speed and will carry on moving until something stops them either friction or an immovable object.
If the worst happens and you have fell off or been thrown off your bike which in a high speed accident you are likely to have done, do not try to stand up too quickly, there are tons of videos of racers trying to get up while still going 30mph.
Serious injuries occur when bikers stop sliding and start rolling like a rag doll with their arms and legs sticking out or when they hit something solid, like trees, curbs and other road users.
Another thing that can cause a motorcycle crash is a highside. This is when the back tire loses grip on a turn, the natural reaction is to reduce the throttle, slowing the tire, which gives it a chance to grip again. Unfortunately when it does grip it tends to straighten up the bike very quickly and that is when it flicks you over the top.
Most times, the motorcycle crash will happen so quickly, you won't have time to react. Hitting a tree or sliding in dirt is very different than hitting another vehicle. Ride safe, ride defensively and presume that every car around you is driven by someone not paying attention.
If you're taking a course, ask the instructor for details on how to avoid and survive a motorcycle crash. Also, be sure to get a full faced helmet and body armour. Equipment and training is everything when riding.
Because it is so unpredictable it is vital to wear your protective gear every time you ride, even if you're only going down to the shops, helmet gloves and a jacket with armored inserts are a minimum, preferably the jacket will have a CE-approved spine protector built-in. Leather trousers or specifically made protective textile trousers are comforting too.
Find similar motorcycle information and low cost safety gear at Motorcycle Canada Home.