It’s very stressful to break down on the road in any vehicle, but it’s especially frustrating for those riding on motorcycles, as they will be exposed to the elements and other hazards of the road. Here’s four safety tips for motorcycle roadside assistance, as prepared by the towing and vehicle rescue experts at Towing Chicago.
Be prepared before you start your drive
Always ride in gear that matches the weather, and if possible, bring along a poncho and a high visibility vest to keep you dry and easily visible on the side of the road if necessary.
Pull Over and Stay Relaxed
If you’re having a breakdown, try and stay as calm as possible, gradually reduce your speed, and pull over to the right shoulder of the road. If possible, pull onto a limited access road. If the road is very busy and it’s hard to find somewhere safe to pull over, keep driving until you find an exit. It’s dangerous to make your way from the left to right shoulder in lots of traffic,
Get you and your Bike Somewhere Safe
Once you pull over, it’s important that you get your bike to a safe distance from the road, as motorcycles are harder to spot than other vehicles due to their size.
Be extra careful at Night
Motorcycle breakdowns at night are especially dangerous because already difficult-to-spot motorcycles are even harder to spot in the dark of the night. Make sure to turn on all the lights on your bike as possible when broken down at night, including your hazard lights and your turn signals.