It’s finally that time of year we all have been waiting for – when everyone wants to get outside! Many people are traveling through means other than a vehicle and, as a result, we’re seeing more motorcycles on the road.
It is extremely vital to pay attention to the road while riding. If a crash does involve a motorcyclist, it is direct vehicle-to-person contact which can easily result in far worse injuries than an accident involving vehicles. With May being Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we put together a list of safety tips that you may find helpful before hopping on your motorcycle.
Motorcycle Safety Tips While Riding:
Don’t speed- We know it’s tempting to rev your engine and fly full speed down the road, but it’s important to understand the precautions. Speed limits are set for safety reasons and since you have no exterior barriers protecting you from the pavement, if an accident were to occur, it could be deadly.
Be seen- It is far more difficult to spot a motorcyclist on the road as they are likely to be stuck in a blind spot. Due to the size of a motorcycle compared to that of a car or truck, a motorcycle is significantly at risk. Refrain from weaving between lanes where vehicles can easily cut you off, or worse, not even see you coming.
Protect yourself with a helmet and reflective clothing- Michigan law does not require motorcyclists to wear a helmet, but if you choose to forgo one, your chances of causing head trauma are greatly increased. Also be sure to pay attention to what you are wearing before jumping on your bike. Wearing thick leather clothing when riding is great for extra cushion and protection if skin were ever to meet pavement.
Ride sober- This is a no brainer tip but is commonly broken.
Obey the rules of the road- We’re all familiar with driving laws, but it’s important to understand why they should be enforced – especially when operating a motorcycle. An act as simple as using turn signals properly and following road signs effectively are extremely important.
Don’t use your phone while riding- The motorcycle should be the only device you are operating while on the road. We hear of countless accidents every day that were caused by texting while driving. Remember, you are balancing on two wheels, not four. Using your phone while driving could make you lose that balance, resulting in an accident.
Distraction free, mind on the road- Not only is cell phone usage while driving responsible for many accidents, there are many other ways drivers can be distracted. While operating a motorcycle, you should only be focused on the road. One small slip-up could alter your driving and have a big impact on the rest of your life. Whether these distractions are tangible or cognitive, you should always be focused on the road and stay distraction-free.
Don’t ride in bad weather- Since a motorcycle is essentially an open-air vehicle, a thunderstorm while traveling can be very dangerous. You should always check the weather before you go out riding – not only will you get wet, but slim visibility can increase the probability of an accident.
Motorcycle insurance not only benefits you, your motorcycle, and any customized details on your bike, but it also covers the cost of injuries and damaged parts in the event of an accident. With the right motorcycle insurance policy, you can ride on in confidence knowing you have the protection. Receive a free motorcycle insurance quote from one of our experienced advisors by filling out a request form online or by calling Doyle & Ogden at (616) 949-9000.
