Steps To Keep Your Teenager Safe on a Motorcyle

As a parent, the duty of keeping your child safe has been your life’s work. Children go from learning to skate to playing sports and at every turn you know there’s a risk of injury. Perhaps no phase of the growing years is more distressing than when they learn to drive, especially when their ride of choice is a motorcycle.

Hearing stories of accidents doesn’t help ease the anxiety, but there are some steps you can take before your adult-in-training takes a seat behind the bars.

An Education in Motorcycling

While some rules of driving remain the same no matter what type of vehicle you’re in, the rules of safety for motorcycles are emphasized in certain areas. A person on a motorcycle is exposed to the elements and therefore at a greater risk of experiencing injury during an accident.

When you combine that with a young and adventurous mind, the risks are raised. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t allow your child to experience this type of adventure. Every situation is different. To ensure you won’t need a motorcycle injury attorney you should enroll your child in a motorcycle safety course and any other courses you can find regarding motorcycles to help enforce good decision-making when they’re on the road.

A course that teaches correct positioning and proper gear in addition to defensive driving would be a bonus. Lessons in maintenance, such as checking fluids, and how to do an inspection before each ride would be good as well.

The decision to take safety courses is enforced when considering the discounts many insurance companies will apply to premiums. For young people, any deduction in rates can alleviate some of the steep costs associated with purchasing a policy.

Choosing a Motorcycle

The type of motorcycle you and your teenager decide to purchase will be based on what you believe is important in this type of ride. Ergonomics will factor into your decision as well as engine size.

Take time to research the different types of motorcycles and all available options. If the bike you ultimately choose doesn’t have an ABS brake system, consider having one installed. It will minimize the risk of brakes locking or tires skidding.

A Parent/Child Agreement

For any new vehicle comes new responsibilities, and it would be a good idea to make sure your teenager understands the importance of these responsibilities in steps. The first years of driving are a time of learning and building experience.

• Have an agreement of no passengers. Riding with passengers is for experienced riders.
• Have an agreement of no riding at night until more experience is gained. As with other vehicles, being on roads is more dangerous at night.
• Have an agreement that alternate modes of transportation will need to be made on severe weather days.

If your teenager doesn’t hesitate to agree to these terms and along with any others you think might be necessary, then he or she is probably ready for the responsibility.

There are many good things about riding a motorcycle. The initial expense is smaller and they’re less expensive on fuel. They also offer the rider a sense of freedom on the open road. For the responsible and natural adventurer, a motorcycle can be the perfect first ride.