6 Tips for Motorcycle Safety - Banas Insurance

Motorcycles can be a lot of fun, but riding them can also be dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, although motorcycles account for only 0.7% of all vehicle miles in the U.S., motorcycle riders are 14% of all traffic fatalities. To prevent serious injuries or even death, there are many precautions you can take. Here are 6 tips for motorcycle safety.

Wear your helmet

While not every state requires that you wear a motorcycle helmet, you really should. Helmets saved nearly 1800 lives in 2015 alone! Imagine how many more could be saved with the use of a helmet!

Be sure to be seen

In order to be seen by other, larger vehicles, be sure to avoid riding in another vehicle’s blind spot. While this might sound like common sense, many motorcyclists still do this.

Use your headlights

Another good way to be visible is to use your headlights. Much in the way that trucks and many newer cars use their lights for visibility, so should you. Also, be sure to signal your lane changes and turns. Again, this seems like common sense, but you’d be amazed how many riders don’t use them.

Wear bright apparel

Another trick to stay more visible is to wear bright apparel. This is the same thing you see many bicycle riders do. It works just as well on motorcycles, and since you’re moving much more quickly, it’s even more important.

Always be prepared for an emergency situation

When it comes to braking, always be ready to use your rear brakes first in case of an emergency. You also want to check mirrors frequently. This includes before you start a turn, a lane change, and at all intersections. You want to be fully aware of your surroundings at all times, just in case someone isn’t.

Leave plenty of room for other vehicles

When on a motorcycle, you want to be able to see as far down the road as possible. This would be more room than you’d leave in a normal car. You especially want to ride as far as possible behind the vehicle in front of you so that you can be sure the driver knows you are there.

While riding your motorcycle, be sure to observe these precautions as best as you can. Even if other drivers may not see you, it’s important that you can always see them! Stay safe!