Encouragement for Prudent Motorcycle Driving in Latvia
Improving Motorcycle Safety in Changing Conditions: A Guide for Adventure Riders in Latvia
In a recent discussion on Latvian Radio 2's "Garage Conversations" program, Oskars Irbītis, a traffic safety expert at the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), emphasised the importance of safety during the motorcycle season, particularly for those riding adventure-type motorcycles.
Motorcycling inherently involves risks, and being vigilant can help save lives. Motorcyclists who have trained before or at the start of the season get into accidents less often. However, in Latvia, where roads are regularly ranked among the most dangerous in the European Union, it's crucial for riders to take extra precautions.
One of the key strategies for ensuring safety is appropriate protective gear. This includes a helmet that meets European safety standards, high-visibility clothing, gloves, and weather-appropriate gear to protect against impacts and weather effects like rain and cold.
Visibility and lighting are also essential. Riding with headlights on low beam in the daytime and wearing fluorescent or reflective clothing can increase a motorcyclist's visibility to other road users.
Maintaining safe following distances is another vital aspect. In low visibility and adverse weather, increasing the standard three seconds to four seconds can allow more reaction time and maneuverability.
Continuous scanning and anticipation of hazards is crucial. Motorcyclists should check mirrors and blind spots, watch other vehicles’ brake lights and indicators to prepare for their movements, and avoid riding in other vehicles’ blind spots.
Regular motorcycle inspection and maintenance before rides is also crucial. Checking tires, brakes, lights, battery, oil, and fluids can ensure the motorcycle performs reliably under varying conditions.
Riding at a comfortable pace suited to your skill level and the conditions is also important. Pushing to keep up with others, especially on challenging terrain or when weather changes, can increase the risk of accidents.
For adventure motorcyclists, who face unique challenges due to the nature of their bikes, practicing advanced riding skills and drills can build control and confidence across terrains. This is particularly important for adventure motorcycles ridden in mixed road and off-road conditions.
For those using cameras or tech accessories, choosing durable, weather-resistant equipment with professional-grade mounts can ensure reliability in rain, temperature extremes, and road vibration, avoiding failures that could distract or reduce situational awareness.
Lastly, it's important for motorcyclists to observe their surroundings and notice various details to avoid accidents. This includes being aware of the behaviour of other road users and changing places with a truck to avoid deep puddles.
By adopting these strategies, adventure motorcyclists in Latvia can improve safety in changing road and weather conditions, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.
- To enhance safety during the motorcycle season, especially for adventure-type motorcyclists in Latvia, wearing appropriate protective gear such as a helmet, high-visibility clothing, gloves, and weather-appropriate gear is essential.
- Maintaining a safe following distance, particularly in low visibility and adverse weather, can provide more reaction time and maneuverability for motorcyclists.
- For adventure motorcyclists, practicing advanced riding skills and drills can help build control and confidence across terrains, which is particularly important for adventure motorcycles ridden in mixed road and off-road conditions.
