Safety Tips for Your Next Ride
There’s nothing like hopping on a motorcycle and cruising down the road with the wind in your hair on a gorgeous summer day. In fact, there are more bikes on the road during the warmer months than there are any other time of the year. That also means a greater risk for motorcycle-related accidents. Before you set out on your next road trip, heed the following tips for safety while riding.
Wear the Right Gear
In 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said 40 percent of riders did not wear helmets. The only thing protecting you from the pavement is the clothes on your back. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the majority of non-fatal motorcycle accident-related injuries treated by emergency rooms in the U.S. affect the legs, feet, head and neck. These areas are all vulnerable during an accident and should be protected with a quality DOT-approved helmet and boots that cover your ankles.
Prepare Your Bike
Before you pull your bike out of the garage for the first time, look it over to ensure everything is working properly. Check the oil, lights, signals and brakes, as well as the cables and lube chain. Ensure the tires have plenty of tread and are properly inflated, as under-inflated tires can diminish steering ability.
Practice Defensive Driving
Motorcycles are small and agile, making them less obvious to other drivers than cars. In collisions that involve both a motorcycle and a car, it is the driver of the car who is at-fault 3 out of 5 times. Keep this in mind as you drive, watching for cars entering the roadway and being cautious before pulling into an intersection. Remember, more people than ever are practicing distracted driving – eating, texting, or talking on the phone behind the wheel. Be judicious around other vehicles, and always use signals when riding.
Avoid Riding in Poor Weather Conditions
Rain and fog are common during summer, making for riskier riding conditions. Precipitation of any kind dampens the roadways, making them slippery and more difficult to navigate. Not to mention, both rain and fog reduce driver visibility, which means other motorists are less likely to see you when driving. If you must ride in the rain or fog, do so wearing bright clothing, being cautious of your speed, and avoiding any sudden maneuvers.
Bring Your Insurance Up-to-Date
Vehicle insurance is necessary for all motorists – including motorcycle riders. Make sure that your bike is properly insured with adequate liability protections, collision coverage and personal injury protection. Despite your best efforts to avoid an accident, nothing can prepare you more for the unexpected than a comprehensive motorcycle insurance policy. Whether you already have insurance coverage or are in the market for a new policy, contact our agency for your free quote today. We’ll evaluate your insurance needs and find coverage that protects your financial interests out on the open road.
You can now carry your insurance with you on your phone!
The information in this article was obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements, nor is it intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
