A Guide to Driving a Motorbike with Care

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by: Sarah Maple Total views: 13 Word Count: 752 Date: Tue, 5 Jan 2010 Time: 9:35 PM 0 comments


As the costs of running a car continue to escalate, more and more drivers are turning to motorbikes as a cheaper alternative.

Not only do two wheels cost less to run, but a bike is also a greener alternative for those concerned about the effect of CO2 emissions - and a speedier option for those who want to be able to weave through traffic on the way to work.

In fact, recent research suggests there are now around 1.6 million (*) motorbikes on Britain's roads - a figure expected to rise over the next few years.

Beware the perils of two-wheeled transport

Despite this increase in popularity, motorcyclists still make up just 1 per cent of total road traffic (**) - yet account for nearly a fifth of the UK's road user deaths (**).

Not all accidents are fatal, but there's no escaping the fact that motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in an accident than car drivers.

What are the common factors?

When it comes to road accidents that involve injury to motorcyclists, there are five common factors (***):
• Failure to look properly at junctions and roundabouts.
• Loss of control.
• Failure to judge another person's path or speed accurately.
• Being careless, reckless or in a hurry.
• Making poor turns or manoeuvres.

Top safety tips

As a biker, it is vital you take the necessary precautions on the road, and that you remain vigilant at all times.

Make yourself visible by riding with your lights on, and ensure you are always wearing protective clothing, such as a helmet, jacket, boots and gloves - even if you're only making a short trip.

"Slow down as you approach bends," says Simon Douglas from AA Motorcycle Insurance. "Accelerate out, but make sure you keep to the speed limit. Accelerate and brake smoothly, and take extra care in the wet."

Monitor your riding at all times, and think about your speed, road position and distance from other traffic.

"Be aware of your environment and watch out for potential hazards, such as cars pulling out and damaged road surfaces," says Douglas. "Keep your bike maintained by regularly checking wheels, tyres, brakes, battery, lights, oil and chain or shaft."

Lana Clements from insurance provider, More Than adds that riding a bike is physically demanding - and involves a high level of concentration.

"Ensure you are fit and healthy and that you are strong and confident enough to manage your bike," she says. "Do not ride if you feel tired, of if you have been drinking alcohol. Don't succumb to peer pressure when riding in groups, or attempt anything outside your riding capabilities - and don't carry passengers unless you're an experienced rider."

A good way to improve the way you handle your bike is by taking an advanced course, such as a BikeSafe assessment; completion of the course will not only improve your safety, but can also result in a discount on your premium.

Car drivers also need to take care

It's not only motorcyclists who need to take care on the road, as the same applies to drivers who need to keep a keen look-out for bikes, as findings show that fewer than a fifth (****) of all motorcycle accidents that involve another party are wholly - or partly - the motorcyclist's fault.

"It's vital that all road users take care," says Mike McMillan from BLD, the motorcycle accident management specialists. "This is especially important in heavy traffic, such as during the busy rush hour and the school run."

Simple steps you can take to help avoid motorcycle accidents include checking for blind-spots and being aware of bikes over-taking and under-taking; you also need to be extra careful when opening doors and when pulling out.

Make sure you have adequate cover

To ensure peace of mind while on the road - and to make sure you're covered if you do get into a scrape - it's important to check you have a comprehensive motorbike insurance policy in place, including personal accident cover.

(*) AA
(**)Department for Transport
(***) Hastings Bike Team, part of Hastings Direct
(****) AA

Source: http://www.breezearticles.com

About the Author

To read more about motorcycle insurance please visit http://www.confused.com/motorbike-insurance






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