The weather in New England is starting to get more beautiful each day and as temperatures warm up more people will be gearing up on two wheels. Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating way to travel, but doing so also comes with significant safety risks. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, an opportunity for motorists of any kind to remember we are all sharing the road and each want to get home safe. Before you hit on the road on your motorcycle, review the following safe driving tips and top causes of motorcycle accidents.
Safety Tips for Riders
- Attend motorcycle training courses and get a license specifically for a motorcycle.
- Always wear a helmet and other appropriate gear.
- Do not drink alcohol or use drugs while operating a motorcycle.
- Practice safe driving by using the controls and gears while your bike is off and parked.
- Follow posted speed limits.
- Look out for hazards such as potholes, cracks, and bumps in the road.
- Exercise extreme caution when you are carrying passengers.
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
- Motorists fail to see riders when they are coming out of a driveway, making a left turn in front of an oncoming rider or when the motorcycle is in the driver’s “blind spot.”
- Riders speed excessively while also weaving in and out of traffic lanes.
- Riders are under the influence of drugs or alcohol—the cause of almost half of all motorcycle accidents.
With low visibility being the top cause for motorcycle accidents taking steps, as a rider, to ensure you are seen by others can be your most important defense. Wear brightly colored gear and drive so you’ll be noted. For the rest of us on the road we should be taking the extra second to double check our mirrors and leave ample following distance for our two wheeled motorists.
