Motorcyclists know that riding gives
them a freedom that driving a car just can’t match. But the best riders also
know that motorcycles require more focus to operate and don’t provide the same
protections cars do in the event of a crash. The best riders also take great
care in all situations, whether they’re in heavy traffic on I-5, stuck in the
rain or just taking a quick ride on a perfect day.
If your habits aren’t as safe as they
could be, or if you’re new to motorcycling, don’t worry! Instead, take time to
improve. The quick safety tips below are a great place to start.
Want more? Check out the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation (http://www.msf-usa.org) or the American Motorcyclist
Association (www.americanmotorcyclist.com). And remember to give us at Modern
Insurance Marketing a call at 800-762-4646, or request a quote on our website when you need to get coverage for your bike
(or your home or auto, boat or more)!
First things first
·
Wear proper safety gear and, most
importantly, a helmet – no matter how short your trip may be.
·
Make sure you can be seen by other
motorists. Make it easier for them by wearing reflective clothing, always using
turn signals (and perhaps hand signals as well) and keeping your headlight on.
·
Even when taking the above
precautions, stay alert and assume that other drivers don’t see you —
especially at intersections and when making lane changes or passing.
·
Be patient. Don’t tailgate, and if
someone is tailgating you, get out of their way.
·
Don’t ride after drinking or taking
any medications that could impair your abilities.
Riding at night
·
Again, make sure you’re visible —
particularly at dusk. Consider upgrading your headlight or adding other lights
to your ride. Is your bike black? What about your clothing? Both will make you
more difficult to see at night.
·
Your vision needs to be clear, so keep
your visor or goggles clean and free from scratches. If you don’t use face or
eye protection, consider it.
·
Carry a flashlight or other emergency
gear with you so a mechanical problem doesn’t leave you stranded — and
invisible — on the side of a dark road.
Bad weather?
·
Keep rain and cold-weather gear handy.
Riding isn’t just more enjoyable when you’re warm and dry — it’s safer,
too.
·
Use extreme caution when it first
begins to rain, as the roads are most slick at that point. Pull over and wait
if necessary. It’s better to be late than ride in unsafe conditions.
We wish that all of your rides could
be on sunny days with wide-open roads, but we know that’s not going to happen.
So think about safety every time you start up your bike!
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