Staying safe on a motorcycle requires not only good driving skills, but the ability to recognize safety hazards on the road and react accordingly. It would be easier - if not quite so scenic - if all roads were dry and straight and smooth. Rarely, however, is that the case.
The commonly-taught strategy for dealing with road safety hazards on a motorcycle is SIPDE. This is an acronym for see, identify, predict, decide and execute. To a large degree, these terms are self-explanatory. The challenge is in applying them properly. Below are some tips for doing so and avoiding common road hazards:
Curves
Curves in the road make a drive scenic and enjoyable, but they also pose a hazard. The safest way to take a curve on a motorcycle is to concentrate on the point beyond the curve, where the road straightens again. It's also a good idea to ride the curve near the center line, while still maintaining your lane.
Slippery Surfaces
Roads are full of things that make them slippery: ice and snow, paint, slipped oil and manhole covers, just to name a few. Bikes are particularly vulnerable to slippery surfaces. To make sure that you stay upright, don't panic, keep the motorcycle straight and don't make adjustments to the bike while you're on the slippery surface.
Uneven Surfaces
Bumps and potholes can also be dangerous to motorcyclists. Again, slowing down helps and you should maneuver around these obstacles if you can. However, if you have to go over a bump or hole, try to hit it in the middle so that your bike is perpendicular to the hazard.
Animals
Animals that dart into the road are dangerous to any vehicle, but motorcycles are particularly vulnerable. Large animals, like deer, can appear out of nowhere and are particularly active around dusk. If you see one animal, this is usually an indication that there are more nearby. Slow way down when you see an animal by the side of the road and carefully pass it.
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