Motorcycle Safety

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, riders know that it often becomes their responsibility to look out for their own safety. This is because drivers of passenger vehicles routinely overlook them. If you or someone you love is a rider, there are few basic things you should be doing any time you are on your bike:

• Vigilance – Being vigilant is one of the most essential things a rider can do. This means making the operation of their motorcycle their only task and priority. Riders need to be on the lookout for potential risks, including signs of drivers making turns or changing lanes. Motorcycle riders need to be free from any possible distractions, including cell phone use and listening to music. They also need to ensure that they drive defensively and only make moves after thoroughly scanning their surroundings and being aware of where other motor vehicles are and could potentially be.
• Visibility – Being visible is critical to rider safety, as it can reduce risks of accidents in which drivers of motor vehicles fail to see riders. Riders can keep their headlights on and wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night, to increase visibility. Avoiding blind spots is also important when making sure other drivers can see a nearby motorcyclist. Additionally, riders should make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen before making turns, entering intersections, or engaging in acts that place them in front of or nearby vehicles.
• Obey traffic laws – Motorcyclists are considered motor vehicles by law, which means they have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Obeying traffic laws is part of this. Not only does this ensure you safely share the road with others, it can also protect you against preventable accidents, as speeding, unsafe lane changes, and other violations can prove dangerous when vehicles are nearby.
• Wear a helmet – Statistics have shown that wearing a DOT-approved safety helmet can save lives and reduce risks of serious injuries, including brain injuries. Researchers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have found that helmets decreased the risk of death by nearly 40% and head injuries by almost 70%.
• Ride sober – Crash data reports that drug and alcohol impairment plays a role in many preventable motorcycle wrecks. Just as any rider would expect motorists to drive sober, they too should obey the law and never ride under the influence. Riding impaired is a negligent act that puts riders and others around them at risk of suffering harm.