Motorcycle Myths That Could Cost You Your Life
If you ride a motorcycle, you've probably heard an untold number of myths and tips about driving your bike safely. The problem is, if you buy into every piece of inaccurate information you hear, you could be putting yourself at serious risk of a life-threatening motorcycle accident. Here are some motorcycle myths you may have heard that could kill you, and the correct information you need to stay safe on your motorcycle while driving.
Helmets block your vision
A properly positioned motorcycle helmet should not impair your vision while riding your motorcycle. Many people claim that helmets block peripheral vision and make hearing more difficult, but studies have shown that this isn't true. An improperly fitted helmet could affect your vision, so it is important to try several before choosing one to ensure a proper fit.
If you aren't keen on wearing a helmet, think again. Research has shown that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury by up to 65 percent, and they can reduce the risk of death by up to 37 percent. They also reduce the risk of spinal cord injuries that could leave you paralyzed for life, so it makes good sense to wear a helmet at all times when riding a motorcycle.
You should "lay your bike down" when you are about to crash
A common myth among motorcycle riders is the belief that the safest way to avoid serious injury is to "lay the bike down" just prior to impact to slow the momentum of the bike before the crash. The truth is, most riders won't have time to think about reacting in this way, and even if they did, a bike sliding on its side, with your leg between it and the road, is a less effective braking system than actually applying the brakes.
If you see that you are about to crash, evaluate the situation as best as you can, and brake while both your tires are in contact with the road. With both wheels gripping the concrete, you will be much more likely to slow your momentum and may possibly reduce the damage to your bike as well. Plus, laying your bike down on the road with your leg underneath could do serious damage to your leg as well as your bike, so try using the proper braking system first.
A car can see you if the driver is really paying attention
This myth is probably one of the deadliest of all. Car drivers may not be able to see your motorcycle for any number of reasons. Because a bike is relatively small, depending on your distance from the car, any number of obstacles could obscure you from the car driver's view. Telephone poles, other vehicles and the car's own natural blind spots are all potentially fatal hazards that you must keep in mind when riding in traffic.
Car drivers often don't see motorcycles because they aren't looking for them. Most car drivers are looking out for other cars when they change lanes or make turns, and the driver may look right at you but not actually see you. The only real solution for not being seen is to make sure you are paying attention at all times and driving safely enough to stop as necessary to avoid being hurt.
The best way to avoid being involved in a motorcycle accident is to understand safe driving techniques and put them into action. Wear your helmet, keep your speed at a safe and manageable level, and always be vigilant about watching the cars around you. It may seem as though you have to have some sort of ESP in order to stay safe on a motorcycle, but really you just have to use your head to avoid accidents. This could save you a lot of pain in the future and help you avoid needing a lawyer from a firm like the Hinkle Law Offices.
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