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Motorcycle Safety Begins with a Smart Rider The January edition of Driving Forward, discussed safety tips for drivers sharing the road with motorcyclists. For February, NTTA Safe-T Buzz looks at tips motorcyclists should follow to stay safe on the road.
“Staying safe on a motorcycle takes special skills that require training, practice and strict adherence to traffic laws,” said NTTA Director of System and Incident Management Marty Legé. “Accidents frequently happen when riders don’t take risks seriously.”
Legé said that one of the most important tips motorcycle riders should follow is to behave as if drivers in vehicles cannot see them. She recommends following these tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:
- Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.
- Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.
- Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have.
- Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.
- If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.
- Apply effective mental strategies.
- Constantly search the road for changing conditions.
- Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’ actions.
- Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
- Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible.
- Watch for turning vehicles.
- Signal your next move in advance.
- Don’t weave between lanes.
- Don't ride when you are tired.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Know and follow the rules of the road, and stick to the speed limit.
- Get formal training and take refresher courses.
- Practice and develop your riding techniques before going into heavy traffic.
- Know how to handle your bike in conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and uneven surfaces.
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