Ride Safely with the Right Motorcycle Gear

Proper motorcycle safety gear helps you ride safely

Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting started, the right protective gear will help you have enjoyable and, most importantly, safe journeys. Even if you’re riding just a short distance, the fact that motorcycles don’t offer the same protections as other vehicles means that you need to take great care when you hit the road.

 

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency, we want everyone on the road to reach their destination in one piece. Keep the following safety gear tips we’ve gleaned from motorcycle safety organizations, including the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the American Motorcyclist Association, in mind as you gear up to begin riding again this spring and summer.

Always Wear a Helmet

Perhaps the most important piece of safety equipment — other than a well-maintained bike — is your helmet. Not only does a helmet protect your head in the event of a crash, but the visors and face shields provide additional benefits. You don’t really want to get hit in the face with a pebble or a bug, do you? Full-face helmets also cut down on wind noise and can help reduce rider fatigue.

Always make sure your helmet has a secure fit and that any face-protection options you select allow you to easily see what’s around you. It may be tempting to feel the wind in your hair as you ride along the highway, but wearing a helmet should be a no-brainer when you consider the safety benefits.

 

Protect Your Feet and Hands

Boots protect your feet and ankles from injury, not only in a crash but also during the ride, by providing a barrier against road debris and hot exhaust pipes. The right boot soles (oil-resistant, rubber-based composite) will help you keep your feet where they need to be — on the pegs.

 

And remember to protect your fingers! Gloves improve your grip and prevent abrasions and blisters. Just be sure that they fit properly so you can still work the controls of your bike.

 

The Rest of Your Body Requires Protection, Too

When it comes to clothing to wear while riding your bike, there are options for every style choice. Look for protective gear designed specifically for motorcyclists – it will offer you the best protection while still allowing you to comfortably operate your bike.

 

There’s a reason many riders wear leather. It is extremely durable and protects against abrasions. However, newer fabrics also provide these benefits. Look for reflective strips or other features designed to help make you more visible to other drivers, or add your own reflective strips if needed.

 

If it’s windy, you’ll want to wear layers to help keep the wind from your body. If you ride in inclement weather, don a rain suit or other gear designed specifically for those times when the road ahead isn’t quite sunny. You can even look for clothing that features electric heat, which can make your journey much more comfortable.

Important Non-clothing Items

Safety gear isn’t all about clothing. Some items to keep handy include a flat-tire repair kit, tire-pressure gauge, spare fuses, and anything else that might be useful for your particular bike. Remember to pack a flashlight, in case you end up on the side of the road in the dark. This will also help you remain visible to passing traffic, which is a serious concern in this type of circumstance.

 

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH, we want to ensure that you remain safe while riding this spring and summer. For additional safety tips and other useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.     

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.

 

You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.