by K. W. Callahan

Created on: December 28, 2008   Last Updated: February 21, 2012

Motorcycle accidents result in thousands of deaths, and tens of thousands of severe injuries each year. Distracted motorists, dangerous road conditions, and inexperienced riders all contribute to the hazards of riding a motorcycle, but there are ways to combat these dangers. Through a combination of various defensive driving techniques, paired with the skills learned in an educational motorcycle defensive riding course, a skilled rider may avoid the pitfalls that catch many motorcyclists unaware.

Most defensive driving techniques are formed through a combination of driving skill, road knowledge, and frankly, common sense. The problem is, once out on a motorcycle ride, the exhilaration and freedom of the open road, a jumble of driving distractions, possible changing weather conditions, and a multitude of other drivers and vehicles, tend to melt away that common sense. It is therefore important that drivers be able to rely on ingrained skills and knowledge of defensive driving techniques learned before ever firing up the engine of a motorcycle. Allowing these abilities to guide and form rapid reactions to various conditions and situations will protect not only the motorcyclist but other drivers as well.

Defensive driving begins long before ever sitting upon a motorcycle's seat. Making sure a motorcycle is clearly visible to other drivers comes first and foremost in defensive driving preparation. Wearing bright or reflective clothing, ensuring the motorcycle's headlight is functioning and well lit, and that blinkers, reflectors and the horn are all attached and working, are keys to being visible on the road. But even if a motorcycle comes equipped with every bell and whistle available, they are worthless to defensive driving capabilities unless they are used. Ensuring other drivers know where a motorcycle is and where it's going is the rider's job. Don't be embarrassed or afraid to use the horn to make sure motorists know your vehicle is near, and don't become complacent when it comes to using blinkers and hand signals in guiding other drivers to what your actions will be.

One of the greatest challenges motorcyclists encounter when it comes to defensive driving is the "right of way" mentality. Since the motorcycle is normally the smallest vehicle on the road, the rider often assumes he or she has the right of way. While the majority of the time this is the case, it challenges the defensive driving technique. Assuming that other vehicles will notice and yield to

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