If you have been learning how to drive a motorcycle for quite a while then you might need to know important things before hitting the open road running on it. It is also a good idea to get the feel of driving it before you get to experience the traffic, weather, and varying road conditions. Although motorcycles are one of the cheapest, versatile, and most affordable rides right now, most new drivers tend to take safety and regulatory measures for granted.
Before you get your own ride, you might as well rent out a similar model you intend to buy soon. Consider renting a motorcycle with Book2Wheel and get used to driving around the city and even try the rural dirt roads in the province. Once you get your driving license, you can book now for motorcycle rental and start practicing your driving skills so you can get used to the road around you.
Target Fixation
Once you hop into the motorcycle, you have to know where you’re going. So if you’re looking at the ground up ahead, that’s where you’re going to go. Bear in mind that you need to pay attention to what you see in your immediate vicinity and what’s beyond that so you can potentially avoid hitting someone crossing the road or accidentally get into a manhole. Road surfaces vary so you have to be careful where you’re heading especially when going beyond the main street and into small alleyways and uneven dirt roads.
Drive Defensively
Learning to drive takes some time. Getting driving experience even more time. Practice driving is way different than actual driving with other vehicles in an ever-changing road condition. Even if you follow all the safety precautions that you were taught and observe the traffic rules, some people on the road may not be doing the right thing. You just have to drive defensively in order to avoid bad drivers and keep yourself safe from potential accidents.
Never Panic
There are lots of things that can happen when you’re driving on the road whether it could be reckless drivers overspeeding or pedestrians unexpectedly crossing across the street. At the end of the day, you have to be cool under pressure even though you could be out of your depths. Many new drivers tend to forget to turn off the choke. Although it may not be a serious thing, you just have to remind yourself to turn it on so you can prime the engine after it’s been sitting unused for a bit of time. It may not be second nature yet but bear in mind that If you leave it on, you’ll be running your motorcycle unnecessarily past the initial warmup. Over time, this could cause problems but more immediately, you’ll just be wasting gas.
Do Safety Checks
Before you turn on the ignition, do some checks on the tires, brakes, and fuel and oil gauges. Make sure that your side-view mirrors are adjusted accordingly. Don’t forget to bring your helmet and appropriate motorcycle suit and protective clothing. Check the current weather forecast because it may have an effect on the road conditions. As with all vehicles, it is necessary to do a pre-ride inspection whether your motorcycle is chain-, belt-, or shaft-driven as regular maintenance varies depending on the model and make. Moreover, always refuel your motorcycle before you go on a very long road trip.
Know the Laws
It is always a good practice to familiarize yourself with the local laws, general traffic rules, and transportation regulations so that you can avoid violations that will bring you traffic tickets, hefty penalties, and worse, revocation of driving license. Aside from that, go over with your current insurance policy terms and conditions from time to time. You will never know when you need such claims.
Final Thoughts
New drivers, although inexperienced, are more likely to follow safety protocols and traffic regulations since they have to observe what’s happening on the road more. Once people get the hang of it, they tend to disregard all the lessons they’ve learned and become complacent. This is something everyone should keep in mind whether you’re a newbie or not. By mastering your driving skills, performing all the important safety checks, and following the traffic laws, it will keep you safe and secure when you are on the open road.
Although traveling on a motorcycle is allowed, back riding passengers are still prohibited until a protective measure is fully implemented.
In the meantime, Book2Wheel is open to online grocery ordering. Send your orders thru our Facebook page or via mobile at 09173853917. Grocery orders in SM City Cebu, SM Seaside City, SM City Consolacion, and SM Hypermarket Lapulapu are covered.