Motorcycle Safety Basics

As warmer weather arrives, more motorcycles are on the road. Whether you own a motorcycle, or just share the road with them, now is a good time to remember some basic motorcycle safety tips.

According to the Insurance Information Institute:
There were 8.6 million motorcycles on the road in 2015.
In 2015, 4,976 people died in motorcycle crashes, up 8.3 percent from 4,594 in 2014, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report.
In 2015, 40 percent of motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes were not wearing a helmet.
In 2014, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled, and almost five times more likely to be injured.

Did You Know?

There is a growing trend in the number of motorcycle fatalities and accidents each year, making motorcycle safety a real concern for riders. Read on for some basic tips to help you arrive at your destination…safely.

Common Causes of Accidents:

Motorists fail to see riders when they are coming out of a driveway, making a left turn in front of an oncoming rider or when the motorcycle is in the driver’s “blind spot.”
Many riders do not obtain the proper motorcycle license and training to learn how to properly operate the bike.
Riders speed excessively while also weaving in and out of traffic lanes.
Riders are under the influence of drugs or alcohol—the cause of almost half of all motorcycle accidents.

Safety Tips for Riders:

Attend motorcycle training courses and get a license specifically for a motorcycle.
Always wear a helmet and other appropriate gear.
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs while operating a motorcycle.
Practice using the controls and gears while your bike is off and parked.
Follow posted speed limits.
Look out for hazards such as potholes, cracks and bumps in the road.
Exercise extreme caution when you are carrying passengers.

Safety First

As mentioned above, accidents are commonly cause by motorists failing to see riders. To increase the odds of a motorist seeing you before it is too late:

Do not tailgate or weave between lanes if traffic is slow.
Abide by traffic laws, just like motorists are expected to do.
Always use turn signals to warn motorists of your intentions.