Tips For Your First Time Motorcycle Riding On The Highway

The idea of taking your motorcycle on the highway for the first time is exciting...but also nerve-wracking. The high speeds paired with the high number of other motorists can feel daunting and risky. While you can't prevent every possible situation, you can take steps to maximize your safety.

Keep reading for advice on riding your motorcycle on the highway for the first time. If you have questions or want to shop motorcycles for sale, visit Gina's Motorsports of Monee. Our dealership is based in Monee, Illinois, and we also serve those in Chicago and Kankakee County.

Know The Common Hazards

There are certain obstacles you are more likely to face when motorcycle riding on a highway. It's important to understand them so you can be on your guard for them.

These include:

• Distracted, drowsy, or intoxicated motorists who may swerve into your lane, slam on their brakes, or otherwise suddenly alter their direction or speed in a dangerous way.
• Frequently changing speed of the flow of traffic, which can make collisions more likely.
• For areas close to nature, wildlife darting into the street.
• Debris caused by an accident or items falling off of a vehicle, which you will need to avoid.

Prioritize Face Protection

Sure, it's exhilarating to cruise around with the sun and wind on your face. But motorcycle riding on the highway means you can get plenty of things thrown in your face, including:

• kicked-up rocks from other motorists.
• cigarette butts or other trash tossed out of windows.
• bugs.

A full-face helmet offers the best protection from these nuisances. It also offers the best protection in an accident, making it the best helmet choice anyways!

Stay Aware Of Others' Blind Spots

Avoid hanging around in another motorist's blind spots, especially large vehicles such as a semi-truck. It's simply too risky! They may not notice you and suddenly be merging into your lane in a way that makes it nearly impossible to avoid a collision.

Once you catch yourself in a blind spot, either speed up, slow down, or change lanes to get out of it.

Keep Following Distance Long

When riding your motorcycle on the highway, leave plenty of distance between yourself and other vehicles. If they suddenly slam their brakes, you will need plenty of time and distance to bring your motorcycle to a stop...without hitting their vehicle.

It's important to keep the following distance behind you long as well. It's dangerous if a vehicle starts tailgating you. If this happens, move over and let the aggressive motorist pass you.

Want more safe highway riding advice? Looking to get your first motorcycle? Whatever you need, find it at Gina's Motorsports of Monee. Our experts are happy to answer questions and give advice, so reach out today. Our dealership is based in Monee, Illinois, and we also serve those in Chicago and Kankakee County.