With its warm weather and sprawling highways, Texas is a prime destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, navigating the streets of cities like Plano on two wheels requires extra precautions. Even experienced riders face risks from dangerous drivers, hazardous road conditions, and simple bad luck.
Arm yourself with knowledge by learning essential motorcycle safety tips. With the proper gear, training, and defensive riding skills, you can minimize risks and ride more securely. We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide of motorcycle safety tips: protecting yourself on the road in Plano and beyond. Follow these smart tips to avoid accidents, reduce injuries, and protect yourself while enjoying the freedom of motorcycle riding.
Wear Protective Gear
Wearing the proper motorcycle gear should be your first priority before getting on your bike. Protective equipment can dramatically reduce your risk of injury in the event of an accident. Here are some must-have items:
Helmet
A DOT-approved helmet is the single most important piece of gear and required by law in Texas. Make sure to choose a full face helmet that meets safety standards. It should fit snugly and be fastened securely.
Jacket & Pants
Look for a motorcycle jacket and pants made of durable material with protectors at the elbows, shoulders, knees, and other key impact points. Leather offers the most abrasion resistance, but textile jackets also provide protection. Wear pants over your ankles, not tucked into boots.
Gloves
Full-fingered motorcycle gloves shield your hands from abrasions and keep a solid grip on the handles. Look for leather or Kevlar construction with knuckle and palm padding.
Boots
Sturdy over-the-ankle boots help prevent ankle twisting and burns. Motorcycle boots have oil-resistant soles with good traction and reinforcement around the toe and ankle.
Eye Protection
A shatterproof face shield or goggles protect your eyes from dust, insects, and debris. Make sure they seal tightly and don’t obstruct peripheral vision.
Additional Gear
Consider a back protector for extra spine protection. An inflatable vest provides cushion during impact. Reflective tape or markings make you more visible at night. Stay hydrated on long rides with a hydration backpack or water bottle holsters. First aid kits, tire repair kits, and bike tool kits can also come in handy.
Take a Safety Course
Consider taking a motorcycle safety foundation course, even if you already have your license. These courses teach critical skills like swerving, braking, and protecting your lane. They build confidence handling a bike and help reinforce good riding habits from the start.
In Texas, riders under 18 must complete a motorcycle safety course to obtain their license. However, riders of any age can benefit from brushing up on proper techniques. Look for courses offered through community colleges, Harley Davidson dealerships, or independent training programs.
Follow Safe Riding Practices
Once you hit the open road, put your skills into practice:
- Obey all traffic laws, signs, speed limits, and signals
- Use hand signals when turning or switching lanes
- Keep both hands on the handles except when signaling
- Hold your lane position and don’t weave between cars
- Allow cars to fully pass before changing lanes yourself
- Brake gradually to prevent skidding out
- Avoid riding in blind spots of other vehicles
- Be highly visible with reflective strips or bright colors
- Stay focused and alert — don’t text, talk on your cell, or ride impaired
- Scan ahead for potential hazards and have an escape route planned
- Take extra care at intersections, parking lot entrances, and driveways
- Stay upright, especially when braking — avoid “laying down” your bike
Share the Road Responsibly
Along with riding defensively, do your part to share the road:
- Make your presence known to drivers. Use lights, horns, and distinct pipes.
- Give cars plenty of following distance and room to maneuver
- Avoid riding between lanes or passing on the shoulder
- Be very cautious of car doors opening, cars merging, and intersections
- Watch for gravel, potholes, railroad tracks and other road hazards
- Be prepared to brake or swerve if cars pull out in front of you
- Don’t linger in blind spots or ride aggressively around cars
- Be aware of hazardous areas like construction zones and school zones
Check Your Motorcycle
Just like a car, it’s critical to keep your motorcycle properly maintained. Be diligent about:
- Oil checks, fluid levels, and tire pressure
- Chain, brakes, lights, mirrors, and controls
- Replacing worn tires
- Checking for engine leaks or other visible damage
- Tuning up spark plugs, air and fuel filters, belts, etc.
- Handling any mechanical issues immediately
Take your motorcycle to a certified mechanic for servicing. Also be sure to wash regularly, lubricate, and check nuts and bolts. Don’t take any chances with worn or damaged parts.
Plan for Adverse Conditions
Rain, wind, and other weather can be especially hazardous for motorcycles. Prepare with these precautions:
- Check weather reports before heading out
- Avoid riding in snow, ice, heavy rain, or high winds when possible
- Pull over and wait out severe storms rather than riding through
- Equip your bike with windshields, saddlebags, fog lights, and heated grips
- Check tires for adequate water drainage and grooves
- Allow extra following distance and reduce speed
- Avoid reflective paint lines, manhole covers, and bridge gratings
- Use extra caution taking turns or leaning on wet roads
- Watch carefully for hydroplaning or slippery surfaces
Handle Accidents Safely
No matter how cautious you are, motorcycle accidents can happen. If you find yourself in a crash:
- Try to protect your head and limbs as you fall
- Move to a safe spot out of traffic, if possible
- Call 911 and seek medical care if you’re injured
- Exchange information with the other driver
- File an accident report with police within 30 days
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer Plano TX and speak to your insurance provider immediately
Having the right motorcycle insurance coverage is also critical before an accident occurs. Collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and medical payments coverage can help pay for damage and injuries.
Connect with a Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, contact a Plano motorcycle accident lawyer at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys. Our experienced legal team can help you recover damages and hold all at-fault parties accountable. Call 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) for a free case review. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve after a crash.
Riding a motorcycle comes with risks but being well-prepared and alert on the road can prevent many accidents. We hope these tips help you stay safe so you can enjoy the freedom of the open highway. Always make motorcycle safety your top priority.
