Motorcycle Safety: 5 Must-Follow Rules When Riding with Kids
There’s something magical about sharing a motorcycle ride with your child. Don’t you agree? It leads to shared smiles, excitement, and a sense of adventure. Most importantly, this experience becomes a fond memory when they grow up.
But as a responsible adult, you know that safety is the top priority, especially when your kids are riding as passengers. That’s why, in this article, we’ll share the five golden rules to keep your young passenger safe on every motorcycle trip.
These tips will make sure your ride is adventurous yet provides full safety. Let’s begin!
Always Ensure Child Appropriate Footrest
First things first, if you’re wondering, “can kids ride on motorcycles?” the answer is yes! But there are conditions. One of the first safety measures is to ensure the vehicle has child-appropriate footrests. It’s because children’s legs are shorter, and without proper support, they risk injury or discomfort during the ride.
In fact, in California, having footrests for passengers is a legal requirement. Otherwise, you may get into legal trouble. Another thing to note when you are riding with your younger ones is to make sure to have the number of a lawyer with you.
This is because bikes are dangerous and may lead to personal injury, especially due to someone else’s fault. In these situations, having the number of a lawyer on speed dial can be your savior.
No Distractions While Driving
Did you know approximately 3,142 collisions resulted in fatality due to distracted driving? As scary as it may sound, it is the hard reality. That’s why, when riding with children, it’s crucial to maintain undivided attention on the road.
To be more specific, it involves avoiding the use of mobile phones, overly engaging in conversations with the child, or any other activity that could divert focus from driving.
While it’s true that children are naturally curious and might have questions or comments during the ride, it’s important to keep conversations brief and focused on the journey. If a longer discussion is needed, take a break and pull over in a safe place.
Just keep in mind that on a motorcycle, your full concentration can make a significant difference in safety.
Never Leave Children Alone With the Motorcycle
Keep this rule in mind at all times: Never leave your little one alone with the bike. There are several reasons for this.
First of all, motorcycles can easily tip over, and children might accidentally start it. Even if you step away for just a minute, the risks involved here are too high. Secondly, this vehicle is not a plaything; its parts, like the exhaust, can get very hot and cause burns.
Instead, you should make sure your bike is parked safely and out of reach when not in use. Also, teach your child to see the motorcycle as something to respect and enjoy safely under your watchful eye. Agree or not, this simple rule can prevent accidents and ensure your child’s safety.
Follow Traffic Rules and Drive Defensively
Abiding by traffic rules is essential, especially when a child is on board. This includes:
- Adhering to speed limits,
- Using turn signals and
- Respecting right-of-way rules.
Moreover, defensive driving takes on added significance. This involves:
- Being aware of your surroundings,
- Anticipating potential hazards and
- Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
It also means being visible to others on the road, using headlights, and wearing high-visibility gear. By driving defensively, you not only protect yourself and your child but also set a positive example of responsible motorcycling.
Regular Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Checks
Last but not least, before you begin your bike ride, make sure it is well-maintained. It will ensure that all components of the bike are in good working order. It typically includes:
- Engine oil check and change the oil as per the manufacturer’s schedule
- Brake inspection
- Battery maintenance
- Coolant level check (for liquid-cooled engines)
- Air filter inspection
- Suspension Check
- General nut and bolt check
- Spark plug check
Of course, doing all these checks on your own can be a daunting task. So, it would be wise to connect with the vehicle repair professionals. This practice helps prevent breakdowns and accidents caused by mechanical failures.
You can even teach your child about these checks too. In fact, it’s a good way to educate them on the importance of vehicle maintenance and safety.
To Sum It All Up
Riding a motorcycle with kids can be a wonderful experience, full of adventure and bonding. However, this experience comes with a heightened responsibility for their safety. So, make sure to abide by all the rules given above to have a fun and safe ride with your kid.
