When working towards your motorcycle licence, you are bound to be caught up in the thrill of riding down the open road and daydreaming about what kind of bike you would like to get. Safety, however, should also be at the forefront of your mind; read our guide to familiarise yourself with some essential facts no learner should be without. Understanding road safety Road safety is one of the most important - and arguably the most essential - skills you will learn during your lessons. You will find both your level of ability and your confidence increase over time, but this should not mean your focus on safety becomes any less of a focus. Indeed, motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road than other motorists, which means that a good understanding of road safety is all the more crucial - in fact, it could save your life. As well as soaking up as many tips as possible from your lessons and fellow motorcyclists, you should keep the following in mind at all times. Prioritise getting into the safest possible position on the road. This means that you should be a safe distance from other vehicles, while also having a clear view of other motorists. Linked to this, it is vital that you maintain a strong awareness of your surroundings, particularly immediately before carrying out any kind of manoeuvre. Always glance over your shoulder to make sure there is no danger of collision. Wear protective clothing Being safe on the road is not all about vigilance - although that is, of course, an absolute must - but also having the right protective clothing. Kitting yourself out with the best gear for the first time may seem like an expensive endeavour, but this is one area that you will not regret spending your money on. In fact, there are certain items of kit that could easily save your life in the event of a collision, while others could help prevent broken bones and nasty cuts. Falling into the former category, helmets not only have the potential to save your life, but are also a legal requirement whenever you are on the road. Take the time to find the right helmet for you. Specialist shops can help you pick out the right size, while you should also consider each product's Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP) rating. SHARP independently assesses how much protection helmets will give in the event of an accident, with one star awarded to those that give the minimum level and five to the top. Next, you need to make sure you have a jacket, trousers (or an all-in-one alternative), boots, gloves and any additional padding you may need for vulnerable areas, including elbows. Leathers, such as those by Dainese, are a popular choice, but you will also find there are plenty of alternatives made from synthetic fabrics too. When picking out your clothes, bear in mind that there is more to think about than protection in the event of an accident. Clothing has an important part to play in making you more visible to other road users, for example, so make sure you select high-visibility gear designed for different riding conditions. Daytime trips, for example, require fluorescent clothing, while if you hit the road at night you should go for something reflective. Looking for motorcycle leathers by Dainese? Come to P&H Motorcycles; we stock a wide range of Dainese leathers, in addition to motorcycle accessories and parts, so you can find all the safety gear you need with us.
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