Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

motorcycle safety

As the weather warms, motorcycles begin to appear on the road. It is important that all drivers, whether on a motorcycle or not, take extra safety precautions to prevent motorcycle accidents. Here are some motorcycle safety tips to stay safe while riding:

1. Weather — Weather during the Spring is constantly changing and with lots of rain, roads can be slippery. Mud and leftover rain water create slick conditions that can make turning corners dangerous. In addition, at night time, the glare from the road can impair a driver’s vision and make them less likely to notice motorcyclists. In the Spring, there may still be some melting snow that can cause difficult driving conditions. Take care to check the weather forecast before you head out on a motorcycle ride.

2. Defensive Driving — Driving defensively is the only way to stay safe on a motorcycle. Most motorcycle accidents are caused because drivers say they couldn’t see the motorcycle (www.aaa.com).  Some steps you can take to make yourself more visible are: Wear brightly colored clothing, leave your headlights on at all times, use your turning signals, honk your horn if a car is approaching at a fast speed, and don’t drive in the blind spot of other vehicles. All of these precautions will help other drivers on the road become aware of you.

3. Road Conditions — Potholes, cracks and puddles are very dangerous for motorcyclists. Try to avoid them because hitting one could mean spinning out of control. Swerving and slamming on your brakes are not recommended because you could lose control of your bike. Instead, slow down as much as possible when driving over poor road conditions. The more cautious you can be, the better. Gravel is another condition that is hazardous to motorcyclists. Do not brake severely on gravel as you can slide. Keep your eyes open at all times while on the road to make sure you are aware of changing road conditions.

4. Wear a Helmet — Last, but not least, always wear a helmet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles, helmets saved the lives of over 1,000 people every year.

 

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