| Whether you are a novice or an expert, following | | | | make it easier for other drivers to see you, wear |
| proper motorcycle safety tips every time you ride is | | | | bright colors. |
| essential. According to the National Highway Traffic | | | | Motorcycle Safety Tip #3: Drive responsibly In a |
| Safety Administration (NHTSA), "Per vehicle mile | | | | recent study by NHTSA, the fatality rate per |
| traveled, motorcyclists are about 35 times more likely | | | | registered vehicle for motorcyclists was 5.5 times the |
| than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic | | | | fatality rate for passenger car occupants. By |
| crash." No matter what your skill set, it is worth your | | | | following specific motorcycle safety tips, you can |
| time to not only take a safety training course, but | | | | decrease your risk of an accident to not only protect |
| also to follow these simple guidelines to ensure a | | | | yourself, but also protect surrounding drivers. Before |
| safe and enjoyable riding experience. | | | | you take your bike for a ride, give it a visual |
| Motorcycle Safety Tip #1: Know your bike Learning | | | | inspection. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation |
| to ride a motorcycle safely is one of the most | | | | recommends checking the bike's tires, controls, lights, |
| important steps you can take before hitting the open | | | | oil/fuel levels, chain, sidestand/centerstand and |
| road. The best way to accomplish this is to take a | | | | brakes. You also should check the battery once a |
| reputable training course, such as the Motorcycle | | | | month and follow the routine maintenance schedule |
| Safety Foundation's RiderCourseSM. These courses | | | | outlined in your owner's manual. |
| are inexpensive and teach you basic skills for safe | | | | Once you're ready to hit the road, employ the MSF's |
| handling and riding. Loaner bikes often are available if | | | | SEESM system - Search, Evaluate and Execute - to |
| you do not already own one. Advanced courses also | | | | look for and safely deal with any potential road |
| are available for more skilled riders. | | | | hazards. Be cautious at intersections; the NHTSA |
| Completing a motorcycle safety course may offer | | | | states nearly 70 percent of motorcycle-vehicle |
| additional benefits, too. For example, you may | | | | collisions occur there. |
| become eligible for discounts on your motorcycle | | | | A good rule of thumb when following other motorists |
| insurance, or your riding test may be waived when | | | | is to ensure at least a two-second gap between you |
| you apply for your motorcycle license. | | | | and the vehicle in front of you. To do this, first focus |
| Other methods to ensure motorcycle safety include | | | | on a non-moving object. Start counting when the car |
| reading your owner's manual to become familiar with | | | | in front of you passes the object. You then should |
| the features and capabilities of your bike and to | | | | pass the object once you have counted to two |
| practice, practice, practice! Riding frequently not only | | | | seconds. When driving at highway speeds, increase |
| helps you get accustomed to how your bike handles | | | | the time to four seconds, and always follow posted |
| in various situations, such as inclement weather or | | | | speed limits. |
| heavy traffic, but it also improves your overall riding | | | | Finally, ride in the portion of your lane where you are |
| technique. | | | | most visible to other drivers and where you have the |
| Motorcycle Safety Tip #2: Wear appropriate gear To | | | | most visibility of the road ahead of you. Avoid riding |
| protect yourself while you're on the road, it is | | | | in the blind spots of nearby vehicles, especially trucks. |
| essential that you wear the proper gear. A full-face | | | | If you need to pass, be sure to check your mirrors, |
| helmet (required in some states) and durable jackets, | | | | as well as perform a head check. Use your turn |
| pants, gloves, ankle-covering boots and a rain suit will | | | | signals to indicate the action you intend to take. You |
| help protect you not only in the event of an | | | | may want to use the corresponding hand signals, too. |
| accident, but also from weather and debris. Choose | | | | Be courteous to other drivers, and avoid weaving in |
| items made specifically for motorcycle riding, including | | | | and out of traffic. When braking, use both of your |
| a helmet with a DOT label inside to ensure it meets | | | | brakes together to ensure a slow and safe stop. |
| U.S. Department of Transportation standards. To | | | | |