Headed out on the open road? Taking your motorcycle for a trip around your city, state or even the country can be an exhilarating way to enjoy beautiful weather either alone or in a group. But safety always comes first, so heed these cycle safety tips.
- Take a walk around your cycle to give it a quick systems check. Make sure the tires have enough air and everything is working properly.
- Always bring you cell phone and a charger. Getting stranded on the side of the road at night is never a pleasant experience. Be ready for any eventuality by having a phone on you that is charged at all times. Keep a list of emergency contact numbers on your phone for easy reference.
- Get enough sleep. This is particularly essential on long road trips. Sure, you can’t wait to get out there and experience all you can, but always make time to rest up. Driving while tired is just as dangerous as other forms of distracted driving and can have potentially devastating results. According to the CDC, 1 in 25 drivers say they have fallen asleep at the wheel within the last month. In fact, drowsy driving accounted for more than 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries and 800 deaths in 2013 alone. Of course, those stats are for drivers of all kinds of vehicles, not just motorcycles, but you get the point.
- Use the buddy system. This means riding with at least one other person if you can. You need someone by your side should you encounter an emergency, accident or other problem while driving. When in a group, make sure at least one person has a basic first aid kit with them.
- Check the weather before setting out. It may seem like a glorious, sunny morning when you first take off, but the weather can change in the blink of an eye, especially during summer when thunderstorms pop up without warning. It’s not likely you’d be out riding when there is a threat of snow, but you should check if rain is in the forecast. Not only is it unpleasant to get caught in a rain storm, it’s dangerous as well because the roads become extremely slick.
- Make sure someone knows where you’re going. Give a family member or friend your intended destination with the route you plan on taking as well. In the event you don’t show up where you’re supposed to, at least one person will know where you went and how you got there in order to run a search.
- Get off at rest stops and take a break. That’s why rest stops are there! Even a 10-minute stretch and bathroom break will clear your head and get you ready for the next leg of your journey. Stay hydrated and eat a snack, maybe grab a coffee, so you’re refreshed.
Following these safety tips can help you avoid accidents and other situations that can put you and others at risk. When planning your road trip, you may decide to enlist in motorcycle shipping as part of a one-way trip. Here at AA Motorcycle Shipping, we can accommodate your every need so give us a call to start planning today. Get a free quote now!
