5 Motorcycle Safety Tips
Topics: auto accident, motorcycle accident
Since May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we thought this would be a good time to talk about some basic motorcycle safety practices. Beautiful weather and longer evenings this time of year may have you begging to get out and ride, but first consider these top safety tips…
Here are the top 5 motorcycle safety tips:
1. Get Noticed
Always try to be as visible on the road as possible. Wearing bright, reflective clothing and helmet makes it hard to get overlooked by other drivers. Stay in a lane position where other drivers can easily see you and you’ve got room to maneuver if necessary. Avoid other vehicles’ blind spots and always keep your headlight on.
2. Make eye contact with other drivers
If you assume another driver sees you, you could be making a fatal mistake. Always try to make eye contact with any drivers, especially those who may be about to pull into your lane. Getting hit by an oncoming vehicle turning left is the most common type of motorcycle crash.
3. Beware of dangerous road conditions
Anything that reduces traction on the road could cause a fall. Always look out for: wet roads, potholes, sand, road spills, gravel, sealant, railroad tracks and any other road-surface hazards.
4. Take it slow on winding roads
It’s easy to overshoot the road or cross over the center line. Too many fatal accidents occur there. Survey the road ahead, reduce your speed and choose the safest lane position before entering a curve.
5. Invest in a good helmet
Helmets prevent death in 29 percent of accidents and prevent head injuries in 67 percent. Make sure your helmet has a sticker displaying that it meets current safety standards. Avoid buying a used helmet since used helmets may have been in a crash which compromises its safety. The best choice is a full-face helmet that protects your eyes from vision impairing hazards such as wind, dust and debris.