To avoid motorbike or moped crashes, you need to steer with your eyes

BERLIN: Riding a motorcycle or scooter is lots of fun - but often it only takes a split second for fun to turn into a lethal situation if you're not experienced enough.

To improve your ability to defuse a dangerous situation, experts from Germany's Institute for Two-Wheeler Safety (IFZ) recommend to practice braking and swerving in an empty parking lot or another place without traffic.

The better you know your bike and its riding behaviour, the easier it becomes to avoid accidents. Using your vision correctly is crucial here.

When braking, always keep your head up, the IFZ experts recommend. Instead of keeping them glued to the front wheel, aim your sight in the direction you're going.

When practising to swerve, "steer" your bike towards the the empty space with your eyes, instead of staring at the obstacle, the experts say.

Keep your head up after breaking, to prevent losing your balance before coming to a standstill. If your bike doesn't have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), you should practice the art of breaking in intervals.

If the front wheel locks, you release the brakes for a split second - and then build up pressure again. Riders of ABS bikes should practise applying the brakes fully.

Always apply the front brake quickly but not abruptly and then maximize the pressure quickly. Also use the rear brake right from the start.

All in all, it's important to focus on what you're doing with the front brake - unless you're riding rear-heavy choppers and cruisers. And don't forget to pull the clutch.