How To Safely Crash A Motorcycle
Every motorcycle rider needs to know how to crash a motorcycle safely. Hopefully, this knowledge will never be utilized! But it's important to be prepared for the worst so that you can maximize your safety should you get into a crash.
We've created the following guide to safely crashing a motorcycle. For more safety tips or to shop motorcycles for sale, visit Arizona Honda. We are based in Snowflake, Arizona, and we also proudly serve those in Show Low and Holbrook.
Before The Motorcycle Crash
There are usually only a few seconds between when your brain registers an incoming crash and the accident itself. What you do in those few seconds makes a big difference!
Reduce The Motorcycle's Speed
Use the brakes to decrease the motorcycle's speed as much as possible. The front brakes have the greatest stopping potential and the rear brakes can help reduce your velocity.
Look For The Softest Spot
Scan the area for obstacles and select the best place to safely crash. Direct the motorcycle so that you can land in the softest spot possible, which will help reduce any injuries or motorcycle damage.
During The Motorcycle Crash
Try To Relax Your Body
Yes, this will be counter to everything your experiencing and thinking during a motorcycle crash! But try to be as relaxed and limp as possible, which will help prevent and reduce injuries.
Let Go Of The Motorcycle
A motorcycle is heavy. If you get caught underneath it, the bike's weight can cause injury. Once you are down, be sure to release the motorcycle.
Tuck In Appendages
Our instinct is often to reach out our arms and brace for impact. But this increases the chances of spraining or breaking bones. Instead, tuck appendages inward.
After The Motorcycle Crash
Don't Immediately Get Up
Right after a motorcycle crash, it's common for a rider's balance to be off. They may even still be moving and not realize it! Count to five and make sure you are fully stopped before beginning to move.
Get To Safety
Many motorcycle crashes happen in the middle of the road...which exposes you to being hit by another motorist! Crawl or walk to the side of the road and get yourself out of harm's way.
Check In With Yourself
Take a minute to inspect your body and look for injuries. See if you notice any blood, bruises, or broken bones. Remember that there is likely adrenaline pumping through your body and it can be masking pain, so do a thorough visual inspection to uncover any injuries.
Determine Next Steps
Take in the scene and make an action plan. Did the motorcycle crash involve another motorists? Exchange insurance information. Is your motorcycle damaged? Call a tow truck. Are you injured? Seek medical help. Remember it's better to overestimate the severity of an injury than underestimate it, so don't hesitate to head to a doctor's office!
Want more safety advice? Looking to shop motorcycles for sale? Whatever you need, find it with Arizona Honda. Reach out today or stop by our dealership in Snowflake, Arizona. We also serve those in Show Low and Holbrook, Arizona.