The reality is that driving a motorcycle in traffic is statistically the most likely time for an accident to occur. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to have serious consequences than car accidents, so it’s even more imperative to stay safe. Nearby vehicles may not see you, and oil leaks may prove slippery. Traffic also tends to make drivers more likely to be distracted by their devices—and therefore pay less attention to the road.
These pitfalls are real whether you own a motorcycle and use it as a primary form of transport or if you’re looking for a motorcycle rental in Las Vegas. Either way, you’re going to want to learn how to ride responsibly and stay safe. Let’s look at the leading tips for negotiating traffic on a motorcycle:
- Practice: If you live in a rural area, you’re probably not very used to traffic. Riding a motorcycle in traffic more frequently means you’ll develop a sense of how other drivers behave and what they’re about to do. You’ll also gain a sense of how much room to give other vehicles and the amount of pressure you need to put on the brakes.
- Watch other drivers: Looking at other drivers’ head movements and mirrors is a way to anticipate exactly how they’ll move. They might neglect to put their turn signal on, but they’ll still move their head in the direction they’re going. This is especially important to watch for during heavy traffic times, when drivers tend to dart in and out of lanes in an attempt to avoid gridlock.
- Ensure mirrors are properly adjusted: Using mirrors is always important, but particularly when there’s traffic. Adjusting them properly will show you (almost) all the vehicles around you. You still need to remember to check your blind spot before changing lanes.
- Use a lower gear: Braking isn’t the only effective way to avoid traffic—you can also leap ahead through acceleration. That’s why it’s a good idea to ride in traffic in a lower gear than you normally would. You can be more nimble and the engine revs will alert other drivers to your presence.
Do you need a motorcycle rental in Las Vegas? If so, you should check out Escape Eagles. We’re the region’s leading all-inclusive motorcycle rental and tour guide company. We’re a family owned and operated business with years of experience in the industry. We provide competitively priced rentals of Harley and Honda Goldwing motorcycles for one or multiple days. We offer tourists and locals alike the chance to experience the open road atop a powerful bike.
We can also help you plan out the ideal itinerary and give you route recommendations for self-guided tours. Our team is ready to arrange tours for you to help you ride Highway 1 in California, or to tour through the nearby national parks like Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Yellow Stone or Monument Valley! Contact us today to learn more or stop by and see what we have to offer.
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