Although nothing beats hitting the road with your bike, riding a motorcycle takes a different set of skills than those used in driving a car. A motorcycle tends to be a little riskier and does not provide the safety cushion that a car does. Before you cruise down the road, make sure that you follow these 5 tips to help you stay safe on your motorcycle.

1. Wear the Appropriate Gear

The first item of protective gear should always be a helmet. Even though you may not like wearing a helmet, it can save your life if you’re ever in an accident. Nowadays, helmets are much more comfortable, lightweight, stronger, and cut down wind noise. Make sure that it is approved by the Department of Transport and that you change it after a few years or so, as they do face wear and tear with age.

2. Follow the Traffic Rules

While on the road, you have to share it with other types of transportation, such as motor vehicles, trucks, bicycles, and even pedestrians. To avoid any problems or accidents, make sure that you follow the traffic rules. This means going at the speed limit, giving way to pedestrians, and signaling when you are going to turn, among others.

3. Ride Defensively

Although you may follow all of the traffic rules and drive carefully, other drivers may not. This is why you should always drive defensively. Keep your distance from other vehicles, and be extra alert. Drivers nowadays have too many distractions and having to brake in an emergency while driving a car is significantly different from stopping a motorcycle.

4. Keep Your Motorcycle Maintained

Make sure that your motorcycle is in tip-top condition. Check the brakes, gears, and tire pressure. If your tires are under-inflated, your bike will be harder to control. Make sure that your lights and directional signals are working. Spotting a motorcycle at night is already difficult, imagine driving along with no lights!

5. Take a course

It is always a good idea to get some professional training. They not only teach you the basics. but they can also teach you how to respond in an emergency situation. Some insurance companies even give you a discount if you have taken a driver safety course so it’s definitely worth looking into.

Accidents can happen and when they do, it’s best to be prepared and have an effective partner by your side. Insurance Center Associates will help you get the right insurance at the right price by looking for the best match for you. Our motorcycle insurance covers a wide range of motorcycles with different types of policies. Before you hit the road, give one of our associates a call to discuss your options.