SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
Spring is officially here. Well…on the calendar anyway. Mother Nature hasn’t gotten the memo yet out on Long Island, NY. I thought this would be a good time for a quick review of some safety tips for motorcyclists.
The following numbered list comes directly from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). There are quite a few items that I think could be added to this list. Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments section at the end of this post.
#1 • Wear A Helmet
Helmets are the single most important piece of safety equipment for motorcyclists. According to NHTSA, wearing a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by almost 70% in the event of an accident. Furthermore, 37% of all motorcycle accident head injuries are sustained in the chin and cheek area. The implication there is that a full face or modular style helmet affords greater protection than a “half helmet”; even if such helmet is DOT approved.
Wearing a helmet is certainly one of the most important safety tips for motorcyclists. It has always been our position here at Roadcraft USA that the motorcycle operator’s preference of helmet type, or even the decision of not wearing a helmet at all, should be a matter of personal choice. We recently conducted a survey amongst our readers regarding their preference of helmet styles. You can read that survey by clicking on the image below. The post includes descriptions of the different types of helmets available to riders.
The results of the survey were tabulated and were surprising indeed. You can read the results of the survey by clicking on the image below.
#2 • Wear Protective Gear
Another one of the best safety tips for motorcyclists is to wear protective riding gear. Armored motorcycle pants and jackets can save the body’s arms, legs, and trunk from fractures and other serious injuries. They also provide protection from road rash in the event of an accident.
The choice of styles and functionality available are endless. Motorcyclists can choose from full leather racing suits, two piece leather outfits and textile-based materials.
The ADV (Adventure) gear from Klim is considered some of the best available
Even the lightest hot weather textile outfits are available with full CE Level 2 protection. I personally wear an Alpinestars 2 piece textile suit in warmer weather. I can (unfortunately) personally attest to it’s protective properties in a crash.
Alpinestars Mesh Warm Weather Riding Suit
#3 • Ride Defensively
Motorcyclists should assume that other drivers on the road don’t see them. They probably don’t. One of the best safety tips for motorcyclists I ever received came from an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) instructor nearly four decades ago. He said “Michael; pretend you’re invisible”. Sage advice. It has kept me out of harms way for a very long time.
This theory was discussed in greater detail in a previous post here on Roadcraft USA. Part 1 of our “Survival In The Saddle” series can be accessed by clicking on the image below. All motorcyclists would do well to read the entire series.
#4 • Stay Visible
Motorcyclists should use their headlights (mandatory in most jurisdictions), wear bright or reflective clothing and position themselves in traffic lanes where they are most visible to the drivers they are sharing the road with. I’m not without fault on this one. I’m an “Old School” black leather kind of guy and don’t wear high visibility (Hi Viz) gear.
This really is one of the best safety tips for motorcyclists. We feel so strongly about this topic that we devoted an entire post to it. It is entitled “Stand Out From The Crowd” and you can access it by clicking on the image below. It not only discusses clothing choices but also talks about equipment that is available to make your bike more conspicuous.
#5 • Obey Traffic Laws
Motorcyclists should obey all traffic laws including, but not limited to, speed limits, traffic signals and lane markings. Regardless of how you feel about the practice, obey all local laws relating to filtering (lane splitting).
#6 • Maintain Your Motorcycle
Motorcyclists should perform regular maintenance on their bikes. This includes brakes, tires and lights in addition to the normal service you perform. A recent post on preparations for long distance motorcycle adventures goes into this in greater detail. You can read that article by clicking on the photo below:
#7 • Get Professional Training
Motorcyclists should take a motorcycle safety course to learn and practice safe riding techniques. This is one of the best safety tips for motorcyclists that you’ll ever hear.
These courses are not just for novice riders either. ALL motorcyclists can benefit from professional observation and instruction. I took a New York State Motorcycle Safety Program class last year. It’s frightening to realize the bad habits you fall into over decades of riding. It’s enlightening when a professional instructor points them out to you and corrects your bad habits. I’m repeating the class again this year. That’s how valuable I thought it was.
Conclusion
By following these recommendations from the NHTSA, motorcyclists can reduce their risk of injury and enjoy a safer more enjoyable experience of their two-wheeled pursuit. As always we welcome your comments below; especially if you would like to add to this list of safety tips. If you have any specific personal questions you would like answered, please feel free to contact me directly via email.
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As always, lots of great information presented in a down to earth non-preaching manner. Great job!
Thanks for reading, Patrick. Looking forward to meeting you in person at the MSTA Star Rendezvous. Thank you for all you do for our two-wheeled community