Studies say that fatigue accounts for between one fifth and one sixth of all car accidents. While the numbers for motorcycle riders may be slightly lower, rider fatigue is still an important issue. Whether going on long trips, or short rides to and from work, being prepared is especially important when riding a motorcycle.

Here a few tips for keeping you alert and safe while riding:

1. Be sure to get adequate sleep the nights before a multi-day ride. In addition, during the ride you may want to plan extra time to sleep in. Don’t feel rushed to get out the door and back on the road to make your destination in time. If you feel the need to put off your departure for a few hours, do so. The last thing you want is to fall asleep on the bike. This may be one instance where over-sleeping is actually a good thing!

2. Unless you’ve been on multiple long distance rides on your bike, or you ride very often, your body may not be used to riding for great lengths of time. It’s important to plan in time for breaks every hour or so. If you have enough time before the long distance ride, start taking longer, 3 or 4 hour, rides to get your body accustomed to riding long distances. Before the ride you may also want to make any necessary adjustments to your bike to make the ride more comfortable.

3. Be prepared for different weather conditions. The sunny, 98-degree weather you are experiencing at your house, may turn into rain and wind gusts in the next state. If you are riding in extreme heat, make sure to wear sunscreen and drink lots of water. A few hours in the sun can make just about anybody ready for air conditioning and a nap.

4. Make sure that your vision (glasses, windshield, faceshield, etc) is clear and easy for you to see out of. Anything that distorts your vision or stresses your eyes can give you headaches and make you tired. Besides riding tired, who really feels like riding with a pounding headache?

5. DON’T DRINK. Seems obvious enough, but not always adhered to. So while you definitely shouldn’t be consuming any alcohol ever, during any ride, stay away from too much caffeine as well. We all know how caffeine gives a great boost, but leaves you feeling more tired than before.

6. Keep yourself healthy. If you start feeling sick, or realize you’re coming down with a cold, postpone the trip or take the train. Nothing can wear you out more than being in bad physical shape. Besides, it’s really hard to blow your nose with a helmet on.

In addition to the tips above, just be smart, and use your brain. Rider fatigue can be dangerous not only to you, but everybody else on the road. And you really don’t want to put anyone’s life in jeopardy. Being a day late to your destination really beats spending a night in the hospital.

-Julie