Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders

With the riding season in full swing, I want to remind everyone to ride safely. Here are ten motorcycle safety tips to keep you alive and well this season:

1. Make eye contact  Never assume others see you. Always try to make eye contact with drivers who may be about to pull into your path.
2. Read “vehicle language”  Even when drivers, cyclists and pedestrians do see you approaching, they often misjudge your distance and speed. Don’t rely on them.
3. Watch out for left-turning vehicles at intersections  Getting hit by an oncoming vehicle that’s turning left is the most common type of motorcycle crash.
4. Check behind when turning left from a highway  Watch your mirrors and make sure you have plenty of space behind. The drivers behind might not slow down for you.
5. Look out for hazardous road conditions  Wet roads, fluid spills, sand, gravel, highway sealant, railroad tracks, potholes and other road-surface hazards reduce your traction. They cause many falls.
6. Take it easy on the curves  Many crashes happen there. You might overshoot the road or cross the center line and get hit by oncoming traffic. Watch the road ahead, slow down and choose the correct lane position-before entering a curve.
7. Wear a good helmet  Helmets prevent head injuries in 67 percent of crashes and deaths in 29 percent. Make sure your helmet has a sticker showing that it meets current safety standards. Avoid buying a used helmet. It may have been in a crash, and the damage may not be obvious.
8. Wear protective clothing designed for motorcycle riders  It can provide some protection during a crash, as well as shield you from the weather and flying debris. Keeping warm and dry will help you stay alert and maintain coordination. Wear your riding gear in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Jeans give little protection. Never ride in lightweight pants or shorts.
9. Protect your eyes and face  Constant wind can make your eyes water, preventing you from spotting hazards. Flying insects, dust and debris can hurt your eyes and face. The best protection is a full-face helmet with a built-in face shield.
10. Be visible

Wear bright, reflective clothing. Add extra reflective material to it or wear a reflective vest. Likewise, buy a bright-colored helmet or stick reflective tape to the back and sides. Always keep your headlight on. Ride in the lane position where other drivers can easily see you and you’ve got room to move. Avoid all other vehicles’ blind spots.

If you have never taken a motorcycle safety course, don’t forget about Cajun Harley Davidson’s Riding Academy. The course is designed to teach you the basics of riding a motorcycle safely. Even if you have been riding for years, the course will help you become a safer and better rider. Most of us have no problem riding down the highway but we could all use practice on slow speed maneuvers. I have recently completed the class and can definitely say, it is worth taking. Remember, Ride Safe and have Serious Fun.

By
Terry Latiolais
Safety Officer