Comments on: How to Avoid an Accident on a Motorcycle

on 5/26/2008 Be very watchfull at intersections: that is where you are most likely to be hurt or killed. Intersections, blind spots, debri in the roadway and excessive speed are what you have to be mindfull of. And don't drive around with your brights on at night. Besides being rude it is illegal. It is also dangerious because it could cause a driver to be partially blinded and cross into your lane or just piss someone off and swerve at you or throw something at you. Buy some accessory lights.

on 7/29/2006 I've escaped two potentially fatal accidents by not starting on the green light. Instead I waited to check on both sides that cars were either stopped or that the roads were clear. Doing this gives you the extra seconds when red light-runners zoom through just in front of you.

on 7/29/2006 Slow down. Most motorcycle accidents occur because of excessive speed: (i) losing control in a curve, or (ii) not having time to see a car coming or stopping before the crash.

on 7/3/2006 You're on your Sunday blast, you've either got the throttle to the stop, or you've got the brake pulled back to the bar to try to get the speed down for the next turn.

Keep everything smooth. Brake in plenty of time for the next bend, with a smooth progressive squeeze of the lever. Get the suspension settled before you turn the nose of the bike in. You can get on the throttle earlier if the bike isn't pitching about underneath you. You'll have a better ride, more fun, more involving, and you'll end up going faster.

Try riding for an hour a bit more slowly without using the brake lever, but just using engine braking and see how the bike reacts. And remember, letting go of the brakes effects the suspension as well as applying them, so smooth that part out, too.

on 11/22/2005 Some areas of the country grind a slight groove into the pavement placing a white or yellow colored tape material in the groove, instead of painting. These grooves are just wide enough for a motorcycle tire to fit into before the tape material is installed. In addition, the tape material can be extra slippery when wet. Be especially watchful of this type of material when used at stop signs or other areas where a large pavement marking is needed.

on 11/22/2005 go into corners at a reasonable (sensible) speed, that way it is easier to control your movments through the corner, which makes for a smoother, faster (stupid) exit of the corner, never accelerate hard while you bike is on a lean, you'll spin.
better to look carefull and stay upright, than be stupid and lay it down

on 11/22/2005 Low tire pressure can result in an unexpected fall when cornering, it's like driving on ice. Check your tire pressure at least weekly.

on 11/22/2005 Always wear protection when riding. I was wearing chaps when my bike hit some spilled oil on a curve and went down. This saved my hide, literally. I am a big believer in protective gear. Never assume you are invulnerable!

on 11/22/2005 As mentioned before, imagine that you are invisible to everyone surrounding you in both directions. Actively create scenarious, thinking of all the things that can go wrong in that instant, and farther up the road.

Be aware of the most common scenarios resulting in accidents, and practice evasive maneuvers regularly in a secluded place. This will make your response to common scenarios instinctive, giving you time to prepare mentally for the scenarios you create as you go.

on 11/22/2005 Lightly touch the rear brake just enough to illuminate the brake light if you're in heavy traffic. Car drivers don't understand that as well as accelerating much faster than them due to superior power/weight ratio, you also decelerate much quicker than cars do.

on 11/22/2005 Wearing a long sleeve shirt and pair of jeans this will help you avoid road rash in the event of an accident.

on 5/28/2008 ALWAYS leave your bright lights on. This makes it easer for people to see you. I even ride with my brights on at night, people don't know how bright a motorcycle headlight should be. This way you are always seen. What's the worst that can happen, a car flashes their brights at you. Who cares, atleast they see you! ALWAYS wear a helmet.

on 11/22/2005 when riding your sportbike(yamaha r1 , cbr 900 , ect.)and attempting wheelies or
excessing the speed greatly
for one thing make sure there
arent any police and watch for
operraters of pasenger vehicles to make sure that they see you.

on 11/22/2005 Always keep a good sense of what's happening around you, especially at night. Make sure you know your route and what your fellow man is doing on the road.

on 11/22/2005 No matter how "good" or experienced a rider you are, you are always learning more. Many accidents are caused by a rider who thinks he/she is invulnerable and will never experience a crash. This is dangerous thinking and leads to deadly mistakes.