Page 3 - Motorcycle Safety Guide

A motorcyclist should attend a Motorcycle AFTER YOU BUY, BUT
Rider Training Course to learn how to safely and BEFORE YOU RIDE
skillfully operate a motorcycle. A motorcyclist has
to be more careful and aware at intersections, The safe operation of a motorcycle requires
where most motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur. different skill and knowledge than is needed for a
Motorcyclists must remain visible to other passenger car.
motorists at all times. Don’t ride in a car’s “No
Zone” (blind spot). Never ride without a certified motorcycle helmet
and eye or ear protection.
Anticipate what may happen more than other
vehicle drivers may. For example, anticipate that Insist on a helmet that has a DOT or ECE Safety
drivers backing their cars out of driveways or Standards label.
parking bays may not see you; and place greater
emphasis on defensive driving. Read your owner’s manual thoroughly.
Use it to get familiar with your motorcycle.
Motorcyclists also must be more cautious
when riding in inclement weather, on slippery Attend a Motorcycle Rider Training Course.
surfaces, or when encountering obstacles on the It is the best way to learn how to operate a
road. They must place greater reliance on their
helmets, eye protection, and clothing to increase motorcycle safely and skillfully. Rider-training classes
riding comfort and to reduce the severity of provide unique knowledge and skills that you may
injury should they become involved in a crash. not learn if a friend teaches you how to ride.
Approximately half of all fatal single-vehicle
motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. A motorcycle For information on Rider Training Courses, visit the
requires more skill and coordination to operate Academies page on the MSI website.
than a car. Riding a motorcycle while under the
influence of any amount of alcohol significantly Wear the right shoes, gloves, and clothing.
decreases an operator’s ability to operate the Thick, protective gear not only provides comfort
motorcycle safely.
against the elements, but also may be all there is
On average, 25 percent of motorcycle between you and the road surface in a crash.
operators killed in traffic crashes are not licensed
or are improperly skilled to operate a motorcycle.
By not obtaining a motorcycle license, riders are
bypassing the only method they and Government
Licensing Departments have to ensure they have
the knowledge and skill needed to safely and
skillfully operate a motorcycle.

COMMON CRASH
CAUSES

Many motorcycle crashes can 3
be attributed to:
• lack of basic riding skills
• failure to appreciate the

inherent operating
characteristics
• failure to appreciate the
limitations of the motorcycle
• failure to use special
precautions while riding
• failure to use defensive
driving techniques
• lack of specific braking and
cornering skills
• failure to follow speed limits