The MSF has this valuable advice directed to both drivers and riders. If we all heed these simple thoughts and ideas, we will ALL be safer.
For Riders
1. Get Properly Trained and Licensed – Half of all riders today have never taken a proper safety class such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourseSM. Along with training, get your motorcycle endorsement by the DMV. Studies have shown that trained and licensed riders are safer.
2. Wear All the Right Gear, All the Time – Always wear a real motorcycle
helmet manufactured to the standards of the Department of Transportation.
Visit helmetcheck.org to ensure you have a proper helmet.
3. Don’t Drink and Ride – Never, ever ride while impaired by alcohol or any kind of drug. Bikes, beer and booze don’t mix. Nearly half of all riders killed in motorcycle crashes had been drinking.
4. Ride Within Your Skill Limits and Obey Traffic Laws – Don’t ride faster or farther than your abilities can handle.
5. Be a Lifelong Learner – Take refresher RiderCourses. No matter how often you ride or how long you’ve been riding, take advanced courses to brush up on the basics and keep working on improving your skills. The MSF has an extensive curriculum with courses for all riders from beginner to experienced.
For Drivers
1. Focus on Driving – Don’t be distracted. Never text or surf the Web while driving. Put down the cell phone or mobile device. Food, pets and even passengers can be bad distractions.
2. Look for Motorcyclists – Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and are often harder to see. But motorcycles are out there and you should expect to see them and try to see them in the mix of traffic.
3. Give Motorcyclists Enough Room – Keep a safe distance when following a motorcycle. Don’t change lanes too close in front of a rider. Motorcyclists and their machines generally don’t just have fender-benders in collisions with cars.
4. Use Your Turn Signals – Always signal your intentions. It’s for everyone’s safety and it’s also the law.
5. Keep it in the Car – Trash, including cigarette butts, should stay in the car, not thrown out where it could hit a motorcyclist. Road debris can kill a rider. Heavier items, especially, should be kept inside the car or truck or should be very well secured.