Riding a motorcycle is one of the most thrilling experiences ever and it gives you the freedom to stop whenever you want and go wherever you wish because you are not bound by the wishes of someone else like you are when you are travelling by car. Being a woman there might be some special considerations that you need to keep in mind when riding a motorcycle regarding your safety. Here are some of the most important safety recommendations that we have for you.
- Keep an eye out for big vehicles
Always keep an eye out for larger vehicles on the road. In most cases drivers in larger vehicles find it difficult to spot a motorcyclist especially those who wear dark clothes or ride after sunset. In case of a collision the motorcyclist is the most likely to suffer an injury and therefore it is your responsibility to keep yourself safe on the road. Never ride in the blind spot of a vehicle and always keep your distance away from larger vehicles which have better brakes compared to a motorcycle. Always use your indicators to signal your intentions of turning right a left on the road and check your rear-view mirrors before changing lanes are diving into an exit.
- Avoid target fixation
Have you ever wondered why the motorcycle suddenly starts to veer itself towards oncoming traffic like it has its own mind? The inherent nature of a motorcycle is such that even minute inputs on the handlebars will steer it away from the normal path and in front of an oncoming vehicle. This is known as target fixation, a common problem with new motorcycle riders who happen to fix their gaze on oncoming traffic and that results in small inputs to the handlebar of the motorcycle which takes it out of its course and directly in front of other vehicles! Always keep your eye on the clear path ahead and focus on writing safely inside of gazing directly into oncoming traffic. This is more important especially during the night with bright headlights shining on your eyes.
- Record your rides
It is always a good idea to record all of your motorcycle trips no matter how short or significant because it gives you the evidence to show to police or to claim insurance reimbursement in case of an accident. A camera is also a great deterrent for criminals to stay away from you especially if you were a woman riding into unknown territories on your own. You can make use of one of the many action cameras available these days and mount it on the top of your helmet or onto the motorcycle with a clear view of both the front and the rear.
- Don’t give out too much information
It has been found and the one of the common reasons motorcycle riders get into trouble is because they give out too much information about their upcoming itineraries or where they are staying. Talk to people, it is one of the best ways of knowing about diverse cultures but stay on your guard if people start asking too many questions that are personal to you or which might jeopardize your personal safety. Never give out information about where you are staying or where you are going next because they might wait for you to pass through and cause unnecessary trouble.
- Take care of the cultural boundaries
Knowing about the cultural differences about your destination is key to staying safe. This is especially important if you are riding into an Islamic territory or through a place that you know to be intolerant towards women, or foreigners. You can bypass the area or ride during the daytime when there are a lot of people to prevent any untoward incidents from happening. However, it is highly recommended that you research your destination first and find out if any such obstacles exist on the way and try to avoid it to the best of your possibility.
- Keep someone updated of your location
Always keep someone in the loop about your current destination and location so that they can come to your aid in case you ever get into trouble. For that, you will need a dual SIM mobile phone with two different SIM cards from reliable companies so that you never find yourself in a situation with no connectivity. Schedule a fixed time for daily conversations with people back home and give them a small update about your day ahead.
- Take your safety seriously
Never ride a motorcycle without the proper riding gear. If you are going out on a long trip, make sure to invest in a branded motorcycle helmet with the latest safety and comfort features. While you are at it, buy a motorcycle riding jacket, a pair of gloves and boots as well. All of these riding safety accessories are very important in keeping you safe against minor scratches and bruises that are quite common when you are on a long trip, but more importantly it will save your life in the event of an accident.
