Did you know that motorcyclists account for around 3% of all traffic injuries? While this is one of the most enjoyable pastimes around, it's important to stay safe any time you get on your bike.

In addition to all of the normal obstacles that all drivers face, from bad weather to heavy traffic, motorcyclists are even more at risk on the road due to their exposed nature. They're also more difficult to see, which increases the likelihood of a collision.

Thankfully, there are measures you can take to help prevent a motorcycle accident from occurring. Today, we're sharing our top tips so you can stay as safe as possible.

1. Take It Slow

The faster you're traveling on your motorcycle, the harder it is to react to an obstacle in the road. It's also more challenging to navigate around other vehicles or maneuver around sharp turns.

If you take the turn too quickly, you could lose control of your bike as it slides out from underneath you. However, slamming on the brakes could propel you forward and off it. This is why it's so important to follow the posted speed limit.

If it's raining or weather conditions impede your visibility in any way, reduce your speed even more. This environment already puts you at a higher risk of a crash, and it's smart to practice extra caution.

2. Use the Right Gear

Another element of motorcycle safety is properly gearing up every time you set out on a ride. Remember to wear long pants and sleeves made of a durable material like leather to protect you on the road. In addition, you'll also need a helmet, riding gloves, eye protection, and boots that come up to at least your ankles.

When it comes to your helmet, quality matters. Yours should be specifically designed for motorcyclists and in sturdy condition. If it's more than five years old or it's been in a crash, it's time to upgrade it.

At Xtreme Helmets, we offer a variety of different designs based on the type of motorcycle you have, including:

• Sport
• Cruiser
• Off-Road
• ADV Touring

Within each category, we also offer a range of styles, from full-face and racing helmets to flip-up helmets and ones made of carbon fiber. Take the time to check out all the collections to find the helmet that's right for you. The main factor to remember is consistency.

Every single time you hit the road, you need to have this motorcycle gear in place. In the event of a collision, it can protect your body and lessen the severity of an impact. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites that wearing a motorcycle helmet can reduce your risk of a head injury by 69%!

3. Stay Visible

Both day and night, it's vital to stay as visible as possible when riding a motorcycle. In addition to wearing bright and reflective colors, you can also add reflective tape to your bike and all accessories, such as your motorcycle gloves.

A few other ways to make sure other drivers and pedestrians see you on the road include:

• Keeping your headlight on at all times
• Honking to make sure other motorists see you
• Riding in lanes that have optimal visibility

Don't assume that other drivers will notice you. Take these precautions to ensure you're as easy to spot as possible on the road.

4. Take Intersections Carefully

Intersections can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. First, there's the concern that a vehicle can come up behind you and accidentally rear-end you because they don't see you. Then, there's the inherent risk of someone turning in front of you or making another surprise motion.

As you approach an intersection, remember to use extra caution. Slow down, look around you, and make sure adjacent traffic can clearly see you. It's also important to use hand signals so other drivers know where you're going, which allows them to adjust their positions and give you plenty of space for your next move.

5. Be Vigilient

We get it! The second you hit the open road, you want to release your cares and enjoy the views around you. While this is one of the best parts of riding a motorcycle, you must also stay alert as you drive.

Motorists can be drowsy, or distracted by their smartphones. They might make sudden moves, such as a lane change or a swerve, that you weren't expecting. There could also be roadway obstacles, such as potholes or fallen limbs, requiring you to make a quick maneuver.

Any time you ride, you should expect that there's something around every turn waiting to surprise you. Drive defensively and stay attuned to the traffic around you. The more vigilant you can be, the more prepared you'll become.

6. Don't Drink and Drive

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about 37 people die in the U.S. every day as a result of a drunk-driving crash. That's one person every 39 minutes.

You might already know not to drive a vehicle if you've been drinking, but driving a motorcycle can be even more difficult and dangerous. This is because it requires a good deal of coordination and balance to even keep your bike upright, much less maneuver it on the road.

Alcohol slows your response and reaction times. It can also impair your judgment and lead you to make poor decisions, such as driving over the speed limit. This is why it's never a good idea to drink before driving your motorcycle.

Stay Safe and Avoid a Motorcycle Accident

Any time you get behind the wheel of a vehicle or motorcycle, you're assuming some degree of risk. However, these motorcycle safety tips can help you stay as safe and smart as possible.

At Xtreme Helmets, we want to help you protect your mind and body as you ride, so you can avoid a motorcycle accident. That's why we offer a variety of quality-tested items from helmets to jackets and pants. Feel free to check out all of our collections online and reach out to us if you have any questions!