Motorcycle Safety Tips

Share the road safely with these 10 motorcycle safety tips

For many motorcyclists, riding offers a freedom that driving a car just can’t match. But the best riders also know that motorcycles require more focus to operate and don’t provide the same protections as cars in the event of a collision. Furthermore, the best riders take great care in all situations, whether they’re in heavy traffic, stuck in the rain or just taking a quick ride on a perfect day.

 

On the other hand, if you’re new to motorcycling, or if your safety habits could use improvement, don’t worry! Reviewing the following 10 motorcycle safety tips is a great place to start.

 

First things first

 

         ·     Wear proper safety gear, especially a helmet, regardless of how short your trip may be.

 

·        Make sure other motorists can see you at all times. Make it easier for them by wearing reflective clothing, always using turn signals (and perhaps hand signals as well) and keeping your headlight on.

 

·         Even when taking the above precautions, stay alert and assume that other drivers don’t see you, especially at intersections and when making lane changes or passing another vehicle.

 

·         Be patient. Don’t tailgate, and if someone is tailgating you, move out of their way and keep your distance.

 

·         As with operating any type of vehicle, never ride after drinking or taking any medications that could impair your abilities.

 

Riding at night

 

·         Again, make sure you’re visible, particularly at dusk. Consider upgrading your headlight or adding other lights to your ride if you plan to be on the road in the dark often. Is your bike black? What about your clothing? Remember that both will make you more difficult to see at night.

 

·         Your vision needs to be clear, so keep your visor or goggles clean and free from scratches. If you don’t use face or eye protection, consider it.

 

·         Carry a flashlight or other emergency gear with you so a mechanical problem doesn’t leave you stranded — and invisible — on the side of a dark road.

 

Inclement weather?

·         Keep rain and cold-weather gear handy. Not only is riding more enjoyable when you’re warm and dry, but it’s also safer.

 

·         Use extreme caution when it first begins to rain, as the roads are most slick at that point. Pull over and wait if necessary. It’s better to be late than to ride in unsafe conditions.

 

We wish that all of your rides could be on sunny days with wide-open roads, but we know that’s not going to happen, so think about safety every time you start up your bike!

 

For additional motorcycle safety tips, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or the American Motorcyclist Association. And don’t forget about motorcycle insurance! Remember to give us at Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton, NH, a call at 800-427-3975 or click here to visit us online when you need to get coverage for your bike.

 

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