Riding a motorcycle can be fun and invigorating, but it is not for everyone. Do you have the skills to ride one?
Before you decide to ride a motorcycle, The Motorcycle Safety Foundation provides a self-assessment of the physical capabilities and mental attitude required to safely navigate a motorcycle on the street. Here are a few of them:
1.Are you a higher risk-taker than others you know? If you tend to need a thrill while driving a car and have aggressive or risky tendencies (following too closely, turning without signaling, talking on a cell phone, getting angry at other drivers, etc.), motorcycling may not be for you.
2. Can you drive a stick-shift car? This is not a requirement, but it may make learning to ride easier because almost all motorcycles have manual transmissions.
3. Are you mechanically inclined? Today’s motorcycles are very reliable machines, but with all the bolts, nuts, and mechanisms out in the open, and only two tires connecting you to the pavement, you need to be able to inspect your equipment and make the occasional minor adjustment. You don’t need to be a master mechanic, but it helps to know your way around a tire pressure gauge and a wrench. Most everything a rider needs to know is in the motorcycle owner’s manual, and if you’ve never read your car owner’s manual, that could be a sign that motorcycling is not for you.
4. Are you safety-minded? If you routinely find yourself bandaged up after doing simple do-it-yourself projects around the house, or think it’s acceptable to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, the unique challenges of motorcycle riding may not be compatible with your decision-making. Riders can control their situation only if safety is a high priority. Millions of motorcyclists ride millions of miles without incident, and they likely take safety seriously.
5. Do you respect machinery and other equipment that has risk? For example, when using a lawn mower or chainsaw, do you maintain it properly and wear eye/ear/hand protection when needed? If you’re not serious about safety in connection with simple machinery and equipment whose improper use can lead to serious injury, you may not respect motorcycling enough to follow safety precautions. Successful riders know that safety isn’t a matter of luck, but a matter of doing the right things to minimize risk.
6. Can you handle your car in an emergency? Drivers don’t often have the need to brake hard or swerve to miss a crash, but it’s important to have the skills to be able to do so when needed. On a motorcycle, having these types of skills is essential because other highway users tend not to see motorcyclists in traffic, especially around intersections.
Personally, I fail this test. I owned a motorcycle many years ago and realized that I do not have the skill to control it. I respect those who can handle their motorcycle.
Motorcyclists are at great risk for serious injuries after accidents. Each year, more than 2,200 people are killed and more than 55,000 are injured in motorcycle accidents. According to recent reports, nearly 80% of motorcycle accidents result in death (compared to 20% of motor vehicle accidents).
Ride safely and watch out for those who fail to give the motorcyclists the care they deserve. If you or a loved one is injured in a Florida motorcycle accident, click here to contact Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Remember, insurance companies have lawyers looking out for their best interest, so should you!
