Five (More) Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle: Beware the Dreaded Intersection
Five (More) Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle: Beware the Dreaded Intersection
We started off with a list of Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle, but since there can never be too many safety tips for bikes, we've compiled another five ways to avoid disaster so you can ride longer.
High on the list of city dangers is intersections, as their cross-traffic adds a potentially lethal x-factor to motorcyclists. Nearly 1/3 of motorcycle crashes occur at intersections, so it's always a good idea to assume that just though a motorist might have the right, that won't necessarily stop him or her from barreling through an intersection and clipping you. Likewise, if you're in the habit of pushing your luck and accelerating through lights as they turn red, consider that doing so puts you at a higher risk of collision.
Navigate intersections thoughtfully, and you'll stand a better chance of not becoming a statistic. And remember that traffic behind you may not stop when you slam on the brakes; after all, riding safely is an ongoing exercise in spatial awareness-- in every direction, front, sides, and back.
Related: Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle
Rule #2: Stay Seen
From wearing reflective gear to honking in a pinch, there are at least ten ways to stay seen on a motorcycle. Practice them regularly, and you'll stand a far stronger chance of survival on the streets.
Related: 10 Ways to be Seen on a Motorcycle, Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle
Rule #3: Flash Those Brakes!
Daydreaming drivers have a tendency to plow into motorcyclists, but that doesn't have to be the case-- especially when bikers have a quick and easy deterrent at their right fingertips.
By using the brakes to warn vehicles when traffic is slowing down, riders can send out an instant visual message to look out ahead. Word to the wise: when you're touching the pedal or tapping the lever, be sure not to apply so much pressure that you actually slow down, since that might lead to cars encroaching uncomfortably close.
Related: Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle
Successful accident avoidance often boils down to split-second reaction times, and every little bit counts when it comes to keeping both wheels on the road.
The easiest way to maximize your reaction time is to create distance between your bike and obstacles around you, and it also happens to be step one in our list of 10 Ways to be Seen on a Motorcycle.
Make a point of creating a safety buffer around your motorcycle, and you'll be far less likely to come into unwanted contact with another object.
Related: Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle
This final tip is simple to say but difficult to do, especially since motorcycling is all about thrill seeking and adrenaline rushes. But look at it this way: isn't it easier to exercise caution and enjoy your well-being than push the limits and face potential injury?
Riding within your limits encompasses several aspects, including not learning to ride in traffic, taking a motorcycle training course, and taking an even-keeled approach to a challenging road in order to leave room for the negligent.
For more on how to create a safety buffer in traffic, check out 10 Ways to be Seen on a Bike, which goes into greater detail on how to survive on two wheels.
Related: Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle
We started off with a list of Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle, but since there can never be too many safety tips for bikes, we've compiled another five ways to avoid disaster so you can ride longer.
Tip #1: Beware the Dreaded Intersection
Surface streets may seem safer than highways because they inherently demand slower speeds, but navigating urban terrain poses its own unique set of perils.High on the list of city dangers is intersections, as their cross-traffic adds a potentially lethal x-factor to motorcyclists. Nearly 1/3 of motorcycle crashes occur at intersections, so it's always a good idea to assume that just though a motorist might have the right, that won't necessarily stop him or her from barreling through an intersection and clipping you. Likewise, if you're in the habit of pushing your luck and accelerating through lights as they turn red, consider that doing so puts you at a higher risk of collision.
Navigate intersections thoughtfully, and you'll stand a better chance of not becoming a statistic. And remember that traffic behind you may not stop when you slam on the brakes; after all, riding safely is an ongoing exercise in spatial awareness-- in every direction, front, sides, and back.
Related: Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle
Rule #2: Stay Seen
Rule #2: Stay Seen
Unless you assume you're invisible to motorists, you're in danger of getting mowed down by a distracted driver who thinks it's more important to send a text message than pay attention to the road.From wearing reflective gear to honking in a pinch, there are at least ten ways to stay seen on a motorcycle. Practice them regularly, and you'll stand a far stronger chance of survival on the streets.
Related: 10 Ways to be Seen on a Motorcycle, Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle
Rule #3: Flash Those Brakes!
Daydreaming drivers have a tendency to plow into motorcyclists, but that doesn't have to be the case-- especially when bikers have a quick and easy deterrent at their right fingertips.
By using the brakes to warn vehicles when traffic is slowing down, riders can send out an instant visual message to look out ahead. Word to the wise: when you're touching the pedal or tapping the lever, be sure not to apply so much pressure that you actually slow down, since that might lead to cars encroaching uncomfortably close.
Related: Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle
Successful accident avoidance often boils down to split-second reaction times, and every little bit counts when it comes to keeping both wheels on the road.
The easiest way to maximize your reaction time is to create distance between your bike and obstacles around you, and it also happens to be step one in our list of 10 Ways to be Seen on a Motorcycle.
Make a point of creating a safety buffer around your motorcycle, and you'll be far less likely to come into unwanted contact with another object.
Related: Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle
This final tip is simple to say but difficult to do, especially since motorcycling is all about thrill seeking and adrenaline rushes. But look at it this way: isn't it easier to exercise caution and enjoy your well-being than push the limits and face potential injury?
Riding within your limits encompasses several aspects, including not learning to ride in traffic, taking a motorcycle training course, and taking an even-keeled approach to a challenging road in order to leave room for the negligent.
For more on how to create a safety buffer in traffic, check out 10 Ways to be Seen on a Bike, which goes into greater detail on how to survive on two wheels.
Related: Five Ways to Cheat Death on a Motorcycle
