Enjoy the open road with these safety tips for motorcycle riders and automobile drivers. Share the road and stay safe during the riding season.
According to the National Highway & Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,014 motorcyclist deaths. 29% of riders did not use a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet, and 30% were not properly licensed. In 2018, 26% of motorcycle riders who died were drunk. Bikes are considerably smaller and more nimble than other vehicles, so it’s important for everyone on the road to take a few precautions to share the road safely.
RIDERS
- Choose a helmet that meets DOT standards.
- Wear protective gear like a riding suit or jacket, face shield or goggles, boots, and gloves.
- Ensure you are properly licensed in your state to operate a motorcycle.
- Make sure to take the time to get used to your bike’s responsiveness and handling before hitting the road.
- Know how to handle your motorcycle in unfavorable riding conditions (inclement weather, hazardous road conditions)
- Know your limits and ride at a pace that is comfortable for you and within the speed limit.
- Strengthen your riding skills and consider taking motorcycle training courses.
- Check over your bike before a ride to make sure all parts are in good working order.
- Obey all traffic laws as if you were in an automobile.
- Use proper signals to indicate lane changes or turns.
- Ride defensively.
- Ride sober.
DRIVERS
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance. (3 seconds behind a biker)
- Limit distractions such as phone use and eating while driving.
- Use turn signals to warn others of turns and lane changes.
- Secure loose cargo, and don’t throw anything out of the window.
- Familiarize yourself with motorcycle riding practices such as downshifting and weaving to anticipate and respond to them.
We want you to be safe so you can enjoy hitting the open road, whether on a bike or in a car.
Adams Insurance Advisors offers motorcycle insurance to make sure you’re protected in case of an accident. Click below to start a quote today!
Sources: NHTSA & Progressive Insurance