Motorcycle Safety Tips
Motorcycle fatalities represent about five percent of all highway fatalities each year. However, motorcycles make up only about two percent (4,000,000) of all registered vehicles in the United States.
In fact, because there’s no protection on a motorcycle, about 80% of reported motorcycle crashes result in an injury or death. For automobiles, that number is approximately 20%.
Many motorcycle accidents can be traced to:
- Lack of basic riding skills
- Failure to know the motorcycle limitations
- Lack of riding precautions
- Failure to be a defensive driver
- Speeding
Motorcycle Clothing
Thick protective garments and body coverings are where you want to begin to be safe.
Helmets- Safety helmets save lives by reducing the extent of head injuries. It needs to fit snugly and the chin strap needs to be attached.
A DOT (Department of Transportation) stamped helmet provides the best protection. Both riders and passengers need to wear a helmet.
Eye Protection- Protect your eyes from dirt, rocks, bugs and other airborne debris including the wind. A good quality pair of goggles or a helmet shield needs to be scratch free, shatter proof and not fog up.
Jacket and Pants- Make sure your clothing provides protection from abrasions in case of a spill. All your skin needs to be covered. Trousers need to tight at the bottom so as not to get entangled in motorcycle protrusions.
Gloves- Sturdy, durable, non slip gloves are recommended. Leather and other special fabric gloves work well on the road
Footwear- Protect your ankles, feet and calves. Leather boots are the best.
Color- Don’t forget color. It’s best if your torso clothing is brightly colored or reflective so you can be seen clearly in all phases of the day.
Prior to Riding
Before you take your bike out for a ride, do the following:
- Read and know the owner’s manual
- Carry the manual and recommended spare parts and tools with you on the bike
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended bike maintenance schedule
- Visually inspect the motorcycle
- Check the lights, tires, brakes, fuel, oil levels and mirrors
- Lubricate and adjust your chain in the prescribed manner
Ten Ways to Drive Defensively
- Treat other motorists with courtesy
- Avoid tailgating
- Know and obey all the traffic laws
- Avoid riding between lanes
- Avoid moving among stopped traffic
- Avoid excessive bike noise
- Be alert at intersections where most (70%) of motorcycle accidents occur
- Check review mirrors prior to lane changes
- Watch for road hazards
- Position yourself to be seen. In fact, assume that you’re invisible to other drivers and ride accordingly.
The See System
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation endorses a method called SEE ™ for safe motorcycle driving:
S- Search around you for potential hazards
E- Evaluate any possible hazards such as turning cars, railroad tracks, etc.
E- Execute the proper action to avoid the hazard
Driving Maneuvers
Braking- Always apply both the front and rear brakes at the same time. Do not lock the wheels.
Turning- Press the right handgrip to go right and the left one to go left. Lean into the turn while keeping slight pressure on the handgrips.
Passing- Just like with a car, always remember to head check prior to passing. Make sure you can be seen.
You can read the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Riding Tips booklet at http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Riding_Tips.pdf.
