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Home » Consumer Information » Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accident Prevention

You have no control over the actions of other drivers that share the road with you. Motorcycle accidents are inevitable, but as a rider there are certain precautions that you can take to reduce the odds of being involved in a crash.

Adhere to the rules.

  • Obey all traffic laws and signs.
  • Get a motorcycle license. Studies have shown that almost a third of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes are either unlicensed or improperly licensed to operate a bike. Receiving a state certified license guarantees that bikers have the wherewithal to manage a motorcycle with dignity and care.
  • Attend a class on motorcycle safety. A large portion of motorcycle accidents occur due to driver inexperience.
  • Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to hone your riding skills in parking lots and on side streets until you feel comfortable. Once you have confidence in your ability and become a skilled rider, then you can allow others to accompany you on the bike.
  • Avoid the temptation to speed. One study revealed that 41 percent of bikers who passed away in 1999 were traveling above the speed limit.
  • Just like a car, don't ever drink and ride.
  • Only agree to let a passenger on your motorcycle if they sit behind you.

Make your presence felt.

  • Improve upon your visibility to fellow drivers by avoiding blind spots.
  • As you approach the summit of a hill, stay towards the right side of your lane to avoid a head-on collision if an oncoming car has veered across the center line.
  • Turn on your headlights any time of the day.

Treat yourself to quality riding gear.

  • Purchase motorcycle boots and leather chaps, jacket, and gloves to protect yourself against wind and road rash in the event you fall off the bike.
  • Statistics don't lie. Wear a helmet to minimize head injuries and save your life if you are thrown from the motorcycle.
  • If your helmet only covers the top of your head, buy eye and face protection.

Stay attentive.

  • Beware of obstacles in the street like deep crevices, potholes, and bumps.
  • Anticipate other automobiles that may be backing out of driveways or appearing from a side street.
  • Don't allow a passenger to mount your bike until you've turned the ignition.
  • Verify that the passenger's feet can touch the footrests, and make them promise to keep their feet their throughout the course of the ride, whether you are in motion or stopped.
  • Instruct the passenger to cling to your waist during the ride.
  • Describe how to lean into turns to your passenger.
  • Ensure that the passenger keeps their distance from the exhaust and muffler to evade burns.
  • Make sure the passenger stays still and does not attempt to talk more than necessary.