We offer some basic motorcycle safety reminders to help you be safe on the highways and byways. It is Motorcycle Safety Month and the thunder of motorcycle engines is increasing. Bikers are, as we all know, at greater risk of death or serious injury if they are involved in a crash. We are here for you if you are injured. We would much prefer to help you ride safely instead. To that end, we offer the following motorcycle safety reminders. 
- Always wear a helmet. Riders who do not wear helmets are five times more likely to suffer a head injury. Please add to the helmet a face shield or protective glasses.
- Always wear appropriate protective clothes and gear. This includes: leather clothing, boots with non-skid soles, protective gloves. If your clothing is not made with reflective panels, add reflective tape to your clothing. Make it as easy as possible for other drivers to see you. Minimize any injuries if you are involved in a crash.
- Always obey traffic laws and rules.
- Watch your speed: remember that the faster you drive, the longer it will take you to stop.
- Use every possible defensive riding technique. Never assume that drivers of other vehicles can see you. Almost two-thirds of motorcycle crashes are caused when a driver violates the biker’s right of way. Always ride with your headlights on. Stay clear of a driver’s blind spot. Activate signals early when turning or changing lanes. Always watch for turning vehicles.
- Know before you go. Take a formal course in rider education; get licensed; take refresher courses from time to time to sharpen your skills.
- Never ride drunk, drugged, fatigued, or distracted.
- Keep your bike I tip-top shape. Check the condition and air pressure of your tires regularly. Check regularly for leaks of gas and oil. Test both high and low beams of all lights. Check all fluid levels regularly.
- Check all essential parts and functionalities before you ride: check lights, mirrors, brakes, clutch, throttle and horn.
- Don’t ride alone. Ride with an experienced rider that you trust.
- Do you have smaller hands? Some experienced riders suggest wearing thinner gloves for better control of the clutch. If your hands become cold easily, consider heated grips.
- Always maintain adequate space between your and other riders. Many experienced bikers suggest a 20-foot cushion.
- Always allow space for an escape path and watch both following and oncoming traffic.
- Go where you want to go. Experienced bikers suggest that you look in the direction you want to go.
- Be especially careful around large trucks. Expect wind turbulence when beside them. Do not pass unless you are certain you can do so safely and quickly. Ensure that you are in the truck driver’s mirror.
- Never position yourself on the road so that you are between another vehicle and an off-ramp.
- If traffic suddenly slows, give yourself room to maneuver by staying to the left or right of the car ahead of you.
- Be aware of roadway conditions. Watch for slick spots or rough pavement.
- Don’t change lanes excessively, never cut in front of another vehicle, or make quick moves that surprise other drivers near you.
- Ride in the correct tire track, and not in the center of a lane.
- Use hand signals and turn signals. The hand signal may be easier for other drivers to see.
- Tap your brake when slowing down. This notifies others that you are making a change in speed.
Do you have other helpful tips for safe biking? If so, please share them in a comment (below) or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
All of us at Altizer Law, P.C., work with people injured in motorcycle crashes often. Our team of experts know what questions to ask you and what information about the crash is most important. Bettina Altizer has been helping those injured in motorcycle accidents for more than 30 years. She is compassionate and a fierce advocate for your rights. When you or a loved one is injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another, she knows that it’s about the money you need to move forward with your life.
