Stay Safe on the Road This 4th of July - 7 Motorcycle Safety Tips
Many of you will be traveling this 4th of July. Keep in mind that means lots of other people will be out there on the road with you as well. All of us here at LSK Lebanon want you to stay safe on the road at all times, but on holidays extra precautions need to be taken.
Today's blog features a few motorcycle safety tips for the 4th of July. (For additional advice, you might go back and read our previous blog about Motorcycle Road Trip Tips too.)
Most of these tips can also be applied to anyone driving a car on the road over the holiday. (Maybe pulling a boat to the lake to spend your holiday on the water! We'll have boat safety tips for everyone in next week's blog.) Keep the following ideas in mind before you head out into the Independence Day traffic.
Don't Drink & Drive
This is an obvious one that all bikers should know by heart and practice regularly. Even so, it is way too important to not include in today's list. Be a good friend and make sure all of your riding buddies also abide by this rule.
Don't Drive Tired
This can be every bit as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. You may be trying your best to get someplace by a certain time, but if you push yourself too hard and ride longer than your body can handle, you might not get there at all.
Plan your trip so that you're only on the road as long as you know you can comfortably ride. While you're out having a good time, be aware of when your body tells you it's time to go home and rest up for the next day too, or else park your bike and pick it up later.
Plan Your Route
It will help you to avoid driving tired if you plan your route ahead of time. Make yourself aware of the location of gas stations and rest stops. Planning ahead for frequent breaks not only give you some time to stretch your legs, but they are also an excellent opportunity to plan a few adventures at stops before you get to your main destination.
Inspect Your Bike
Before any outing, always give your motorcycle a quick once-over to make sure everything is as it should be. Check the oil, coolant, tire pressure, gas, etc... Nobody wants to be stuck on the side of the road on a hot summer day waiting for help to arrive if something goes wrong. Checking these little things help to avoid big problems that can easily be avoided.
Arrive Early, Stay Late
If you can avoid the heaviest traffic times on a holiday, do it. Either showing up a day early or staying a day later may allow you to miss congestion on the highway. You might even want to eat at odd times so you are on the road while most travelers are dining and off the road once they get back out there. Another prime time to be parked someplace is late at night or early in the morning when the possibility for drunk drivers is at its highest.
Observe Speed Limits
Simply abiding by the rules of the road is the very best way to keep unnecessary accidents from happening. Even the most skilled riders may not be able to avoid an accident with a bad driver, but if you are observing the speed limit you may have a better chance of reacting in time to stay out of harm's way.
Stay Out of Blind Spots
Sometimes it can be difficult to see a big car when it is in another car's blind spot. Motorcycles are considerably smaller than even the smallest cars, making them even more difficult to see. Always assume other drivers do not see you and get past their blind spot as quickly as possible.
If you're planning a long trip, you might consider bringing your vehicle into the service center at our motorcycle dealership in Southwest Missouri. You might even want to pick up a few new accessories for your bike at LSK Lebanon to make the trip more stylish and comfortable.
Remember, you can't control the actions of other drivers when you're out there on a busy holiday weekend, only your own. Practicing good defensive driving is the best way to stay keep your reaction times at their quickest. Be alert, be cautious, be patient, and keep yourself safe on the road so you'll be around to enjoy many more holidays to come.
Website:
www.LSKLebanon.com
801 N Jefferson Ave
Lebanon, MO 65536
Today's blog features a few motorcycle safety tips for the 4th of July. (For additional advice, you might go back and read our previous blog about Motorcycle Road Trip Tips too.)
Most of these tips can also be applied to anyone driving a car on the road over the holiday. (Maybe pulling a boat to the lake to spend your holiday on the water! We'll have boat safety tips for everyone in next week's blog.) Keep the following ideas in mind before you head out into the Independence Day traffic.
Don't Drink & Drive
This is an obvious one that all bikers should know by heart and practice regularly. Even so, it is way too important to not include in today's list. Be a good friend and make sure all of your riding buddies also abide by this rule.
Don't Drive Tired
This can be every bit as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. You may be trying your best to get someplace by a certain time, but if you push yourself too hard and ride longer than your body can handle, you might not get there at all.
Plan your trip so that you're only on the road as long as you know you can comfortably ride. While you're out having a good time, be aware of when your body tells you it's time to go home and rest up for the next day too, or else park your bike and pick it up later.
Plan Your Route
It will help you to avoid driving tired if you plan your route ahead of time. Make yourself aware of the location of gas stations and rest stops. Planning ahead for frequent breaks not only give you some time to stretch your legs, but they are also an excellent opportunity to plan a few adventures at stops before you get to your main destination.
Before any outing, always give your motorcycle a quick once-over to make sure everything is as it should be. Check the oil, coolant, tire pressure, gas, etc... Nobody wants to be stuck on the side of the road on a hot summer day waiting for help to arrive if something goes wrong. Checking these little things help to avoid big problems that can easily be avoided.
Arrive Early, Stay Late
If you can avoid the heaviest traffic times on a holiday, do it. Either showing up a day early or staying a day later may allow you to miss congestion on the highway. You might even want to eat at odd times so you are on the road while most travelers are dining and off the road once they get back out there. Another prime time to be parked someplace is late at night or early in the morning when the possibility for drunk drivers is at its highest.
Observe Speed Limits
Simply abiding by the rules of the road is the very best way to keep unnecessary accidents from happening. Even the most skilled riders may not be able to avoid an accident with a bad driver, but if you are observing the speed limit you may have a better chance of reacting in time to stay out of harm's way.
Stay Out of Blind Spots
Sometimes it can be difficult to see a big car when it is in another car's blind spot. Motorcycles are considerably smaller than even the smallest cars, making them even more difficult to see. Always assume other drivers do not see you and get past their blind spot as quickly as possible.
If you're planning a long trip, you might consider bringing your vehicle into the service center at our motorcycle dealership in Southwest Missouri. You might even want to pick up a few new accessories for your bike at LSK Lebanon to make the trip more stylish and comfortable.
Remember, you can't control the actions of other drivers when you're out there on a busy holiday weekend, only your own. Practicing good defensive driving is the best way to stay keep your reaction times at their quickest. Be alert, be cautious, be patient, and keep yourself safe on the road so you'll be around to enjoy many more holidays to come.
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www.LSKLebanon.com
801 N Jefferson Ave
Lebanon, MO 65536
(417) 588-3550
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