Myths about motorcycle safety

Whether you are a new rider or have been riding for many years, you may have heard, or even believed, some of the motorcycle safety myths that are widely circulated. If he takes actions based on those myths, some of them could cause him injury or even death.

If you know of a cyclist who believes in any of these myths, be sure to direct them to this article!

Myth 1: Bikers wear leather because it makes them look cool.

While leather looks great, that’s just a bonus. Leather, due to its unique properties, is very protective against abrasions, cuts and scrapes. It’s also very hot, even with the wind chill caused by riding on a cool day. Motorcycle leathers are usually made from cowhide because it provides more protection than buffalo hide or pig hide. We know of a motorcyclist whose front wheel slipped on some new, wet street tar, sliding right under the truck that had stopped in front of him. While he had trouble saying “no problem” to the cop who showed up, and his shoulder was sore for weeks, ultimately all he had to show of his spill was a black scorched area on the right shoulder of his brown leather jacket. . Obviously, wearing leather is no excuse for recklessness, but it can certainly help minimize damage to the body surface.

Myth 2: Caged drivers don’t give a damn about cyclists

It’s not that they don’t care, it’s that they don’t see you. They’re not looking for someone on a motorcycle. You can help these riders see you by wearing motorcycle safety gear such as a bright helmet and brightly colored clothing. Motorcycle helmets save lives, that’s a fact. You can hear and see quite well even with a full face helmet. Also, have the proper safety equipment on your bike, including brighter than stock lights or extra lights.

Myth 3: The noisier the pipes, the safer you are

If you’ve ever ridden in a group, you know you can barely hear the bike behind you. And the bikes next to you aren’t that loud either, unless they’re right next to you. So no, noisy pipes won’t make people driving cars notice you, especially if they have their noses buried in their cell phones, are eating, putting on makeup, reading, or otherwise distracted.

Myth 4: Leave the bike if you are going to crash

This is the worst thing you can do. When you slide, you have a good chance of getting burned beyond belief by the exhaust or you could slide under a vehicle. Instead, learn to brake effectively. The only time it might be better to leave your bike is if you’re on an elevated road, like a bridge, and the only alternative is to fall over the railing and die.

Myth 5: Surface streets are safer than highways

Many people believe that surface streets are safer than highways due to lower speeds. However, they are actually more dangerous as there is traffic coming from all sides and often unexpectedly as it is very difficult for drivers to “see” the motorcycles. There are people coming out of secondary roads, parking lots and driveways. It’s bad enough when someone makes a right turn on red and cuts into a car because they’re in such a hurry, but when that person does it on a motorcycle, there’s more damage than just a broken fender. Roads are safer since everyone is going in the same direction, unless there is a drunk guy driving the wrong direction.

Don’t believe the motorcycle safety myths!

You may have heard many more myths about motorcycle safety. Do not believe them. If you hear something that sounds fishy, ​​do some research to see how true it is. Having the right safety gear will save your life more than doing something crazy like throwing your bike on purpose.

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