Whether you ride for your passion or if motorcycles are your primary mode of transportation, your safety is in your hands only. Any false information about motorcycle safety can lead to bigger injuries. Myths about motorcycles are common. There are hundreds of myths that motorcyclists believe. This results in accidents and severe injuries.
If you’re a motorcyclist and thinking about some common myths, we’ve got you covered. This article highlights five common motorcycle safety myths as suggested by Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers. Let’s dive in!
Common Motorcycle Safety Myths
Loud Pipes Protect Motorcyclists
A common myth among bikers is that loud exhaust pipes increase motorcycle visibility, causing fewer accidents. Although loud pipes are great to get attention, limited evidence says that they protect motorcyclists or increase their safety.
Helmets Impact Hearing and Vision
According to certain motorcyclists, wearing helmets during long journeys can impact hearing and seeing abilities of a person. Also, it restricts vision, making it difficult to analyze any potential hazards while riding. However, studies confirm that helmets are designed to offer you maximum protection without blocking your vision or hearing abilities.
Motorcycle Safety Gears Are Not Required for Short Trips
Another common myth around motorcycle safety is that you do not need any safety gear during short trips. On the contrary, you always need safety gear like helmets to protect yourself. These equipment prevent the chances of injuries. Regardless of your experience, always wear your safety gears.
Laying Down Bikes Prevents Crashes
In the event of a collision, some motorcycle riders feel it is better to purposefully lay down their bike rather than attempt to keep it under control. But this is a dangerous fallacy that really raises the possibility of getting hurt.
Contemporary motorcycles are furnished with sophisticated braking and handling mechanisms intended to assist riders in preserving control during emergency scenarios. It’s safer to concentrate on braking, steering, and attempting to avoid the collision entirely than it is to deliberately set the bike down.
Ride Motorcycle Same as A Bicycle
Another misconception that most bikers have is that riding a bicycle and motorcycle is a similar experience. However, this is completely false. You need a greater level of attention to operate a motorcycle. Additionally, you require a deep understanding of the traffic rules and specialized training as the chances of severe injuries are higher during a motorcycle accident.
Dark Clothes Makes You Visible at Night
Another common misconception is that dark clothing makes motorcyclists more visible at night is dangerously false. In reality, certain gears are available in neon colors with reflective materials. This largely increases your visibility to other road users.
Several studies show that motorcyclists wearing these gears have less chances of meeting an accident. This is because they can be seen from greater distances. Ensuring visibility on the road, particularly at night, is crucial for safety and can be the difference between a safe ride and a perilous situation.
Speeding Increases Control and Agility on The Road
Source: freepik.com
Believing that higher speeds grant more control and agility on the road is a perilous misconception. Speeding reduces your reaction time to unexpected obstacles or changes in road conditions. The higher the speed, the less time there is to respond effectively to avoid an accident.
Furthermore, increased speed magnifies the severity of crashes, leading to more serious injuries or fatalities. Studies consistently show a direct correlation between high speeds and the increased likelihood of accidents, debunking the myth that speeding offers any form of advantage in terms of control or safety.
It’s Safer to Ride a Motorcycle without A Valid License
The idea that riding a motorcycle without a valid license is safer is a baseless myth with serious legal and safety ramifications. Motorcycle training and licensing is essential for ensuring riders have the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the roads safely.
The process of obtaining a license includes education on traffic laws, riding techniques, and safety practices, all of which are crucial for minimizing the risk of accidents. Riders without a valid license lack this formal training and are more likely to be involved in collisions. The skills gained through proper training are invaluable for the safety of motorcyclists and everyone on the road.
Wearing Leather Is Just a Fashion Statement!
Bikers are recommended to wear leather; however, it is more than a fashion statement. Thick leather acts as a body protective gear, which prevents any injuries during the crash. If you are wearing leather clothes, it protects you from friction burns and other injuries from crashes.
Drinking Beer Before a Motorcycle Ride Is Okay
Another common myth around bikers is they can drink beer before riding as it looks and feels cool. However, it is the biggest mistake that you can make! Since riding a bike requires a lot of concentration, coordination, and controlling of the vehicle, beer or any other alcohol is a big no!
Wrapping Up
Riding a motorcycle is a delightful experience, but several motorcycle safety myths revolve around it. These are common myths that you must remember as a biker. You can prevent accidents to a greater extent by not following these myths. As a motorcyclist you must have a deep understanding of your vehicle and the road. Do follow all the rules and avoid these myths to prevent any accidents.
Source: freepik.com
FAQs
How Can You Protect Yourself from Accidents?
The best way to protect yourself from accidents is to drive slowly with complete concentration. This ensures you don’t have an accident. Additionally, mind your surroundings and intersection. While driving, maintain a safe distance from vehicles. You must also carry protective gear to prevent injuries.
Give Some Safety Tips for Riding a Motorcycle
Some safety tips that you must follow while riding a motorcycle are:
- Take a safe route
- Before heading out, check the weather conditions
- Closely check your bike before going out
- Maintain a safe distance on the road
- Obey all traffic rules
