7 Distractions Every Motorcyclist Should Avoid on the Road
For many motorcyclists, myself included, one of the best parts of riding is the therapeutic way it clears the mind. Riding requires more focused attention than most other activities, and even if you’ve riding for years, the briefest distraction can have serious consequences.
Cycle Trader has compiled a list of some of the most common distractions riders face on the road. Some are worth eliminating completely, while others may simply require careful management.
1. Smartphone
This one’s pretty obvious. By now, as motorists—whether in a car or on a bike—we’ve been reminded repeatedly that fiddling with our smartphone is a proven, serious distraction and an all-too-common cause of crashes. It makes sense, too, since the volume of information a smartphone demands keeps our eyes and ears on the device and not on our surroundings. When on your bike, the safest place for your phone is in your pocket. Those messages will still be there when you reach your destination.
2. Digital Navigation
While we’d never discourage taking an epic road trip, if you can’t commit the route to memory, exercise caution using a GPS navigation system. Some touring bikes feature built-in GPS units similar to those found in cars, often integrated with the bike’s primary controls to allow safe use at speed. If you’re using your phone as a navigator, be sure to mount it securely and, ideally, turn off all alerts and messaging until the ride is over.
3. Bike Adjustments
Beyond navigation adjustments, tweaking other settings or controls can also be a distraction. Some bikes allow for variable rider modes that can be selected electronically. The best systems limit adjustability on the move, but in general, it’s smart to make adjustments while stopped. This applies to controls like adjusting mirrors or windscreens, which can pull your focus from the road.
4. Audio
Managing audio distractions can be beneficial, even if eliminating them completely isn’t necessary. Helmet-mounted communication systems allow for rider-to-rider communication, calls, or music, but if the volume is too high (or your companions are chatty!), it can be distracting. If you can’t hear a honking horn or an approaching siren, it’s too loud. This applies to bikes with on-board audio systems as well; plus, chances are that others around you don’t share your taste in music.
5. Food and Fatigue
Multitasking on a bike is rarely wise. Riders who eat, drink, or smoke while riding introduce a potential distraction. While a quick fix may seem tempting, eating or drinking on the move is less than ideal. Staying fed, hydrated, and alert is essential, but it’s far more enjoyable to stop, relax, and admire your machine while refueling your brain with a coffee, a snack, or a quick chat with fellow riders.
6. Natural Distractions
Mother Nature can provide her own set of distractions, from stunning scenery to unexpected wildlife. Though these sights are often out of our control, it’s important to keep focus on the ride to stay safe.
7. Cognitive Distractions
Finally, distractions within our own mind can be some of the toughest to manage. If you’re preoccupied—whether with good news or a worry—it’s best to wait until you can fully focus. Where a split-second distraction in a car can be a minor slip, on a bike it can mean a serious incident. Make sure to keep your attention on the road and leave any concerns behind to enjoy a smooth, safe ride.
Inevitably, you’ll see other motorists making careless mistakes. It’s not worth focusing on their actions and risking your own safety. Instead, remember that you’re the one fortunate enough to be out riding—so stay alert and enjoy the ride. If you’re searching for your next motorcycle to take on the open road with, make sure you explore the nationwide inventory of new and used motorcycles on Cycle Trader.
Jeff Wilson
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