Motorcycles are a fascinating engineering product many college students want to own or at least ride for fun. The feel of the wind, the adrenaline rush when you accelerate, and direct interaction with nature—no car windows obstructing your 360 views.

Aside from the feel of freedom and adventure it gives, motorcycles can also be a great money-saver for college students because of their good fuel economy. They also allow for easy parking and have a lower cost for a parking permit.

However, riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. According to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Raleigh, NC, motorcycles are only safer for other road users, as most accidents result in the rider’s injury instead of pedestrian deaths compared to car accidents.

A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that a motorcycle rider is nearly 28 times more likely to suffer a fatality than someone traveling in a motor vehicle.

Meanwhile, with the appropriate safety measures, you can ride your motorcycle within and outside the campus safely, without endangering your life or that of others.

Know your bike and how to use it

Bikes are designed differently. For optimal fun and safety, some manufacturers now include features that may not be present in older models.

The state of a motorcycle at the time of purchase will also influence its performance and safety. Read through the owner’s manual and perform the recommended pre-ride checks before hitting the road.

For every new bike, even if you have years of experience riding a motorcycle, take the bike for a ride on a less busy road or open space to get to know how it rides and handles turns.

Check all the buttons and switches using the owner’s manual as a guide to know their functions and the appropriate time to use them.

If you are buying a used motorbike, do a proper check before making the purchase. Get a reputable mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection. Only purchase if the mechanic recommends it.

Some of the things the mechanic will check include the tires, brakes, lights, battery, and chain condition. Upon purchase, depending on the state of the bike, change all brake fluid, oil, and coolant.

Some honest sellers will also recommend things that need to be changed, while your mechanic should also be able to suggest appropriate things to change for optimal performance and safety.

Ride responsibly

Get formal training on how to ride a bike. Obtain a motorcycle license as a certification that you can indeed operate a motorcycle safely. To obtain the license, you will be required to take a government-approved motorcycle safety course and driving test.

Even after getting your license, work on your driving techniques before venturing into traffic. Practice emergency braking and swerving maneuvers.

If you already have a license, periodically taking refresher courses is always a great idea. This will allow you to re-learn and reinforce essential safety skills, identify and correct any bad habits you may have developed, and stay updated on proper riding techniques.

Follow all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits and traffic signs such as stop signs.

Do not drink and ride. 45 percent of riders who died in a single-vehicle crash are alcohol-impaired. Likewise, do not ride when you are tired or under the influence of drugs.

Remain vigilant while riding; do not use your phone or engage in other distracting activities. Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Give enough space between you and other road users.

Also, learn the appropriate driving techniques for different road conditions, such as wet or sandy roads and uneven surfaces.

Dress for safety

Always wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection that fits properly while riding. Wear top-quality riding gear, including over-the-ankle boots, full-finger gloves with padding, jackets, and pants with armor protection at impact points, to protect you in case of an accident.

You are safer when other road users know you are on the road. Unfortunately, due to its size and fast movement, a motorcycle can be inconspicuous to other drivers. Wear a high-visibility vest with reflector features and other accessories to boost your visibility on the road.

Studies are also ongoing to boost motorists’ ability to see riders. In a study conducted by researchers Pat DeLucia from Rice University and Bradley Weaver from Emory Healthcare, who earned his Ph.D. at Rice and published in the journal Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, a reimagined lighting configuration—six lights running from the top to the bottom of a motorcycle rather than a single headlight—was discovered could help improve other motorists’ abilities to see bike riders.

Always check the weather condition

When driving in the rain, a motorist’s vision is significantly impaired. This is due to the scattering of light by raindrops, which causes reduced visibility, difficulty distinguishing colors, and potential glare from headlights, making it harder to see the road, pedestrians, motorcycles, and other vehicles.

It is further compounded by the reduced contrast between wet surfaces and surrounding objects.

Avoid riding your bike during rainfall. Check the weather forecast before hitting the road, and if possible, find a safe space to park if the rain suddenly starts to fall mid-journey.

Similarly, ice and snow can also compromise your riding safety. Avoid driving during such weather conditions. If you will, be very careful.

Maintain your motorcycle

Keep your motorcycle in good working condition by performing regular maintenance checks. Check your tire pressure regularly to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Ensure your brakes are working properly and replace brake pads as needed. Join the bikers’ community online or on campus for tips on proper motorcycle maintenance. Riding with other community members can also make riding more enjoyable and safer