Safety Tips

Be Seen: One disadvantage motorcycles have compared to cars is that they’re less visible. Taking steps to increase your visibility is an important step in managing your riding risk.  Such as; having your headlight on at all times along with any other lights during the day.  

Apparel: Black has long been a popular fashion choice among riders, probably since black leather was your only choice. Dark colors usually blend in and are hard to see. If bright, highly visible clothing does not suit your taste, consider adding a few well-placed pieces of reflective tape to your gear, especially at night.  Go to: www.conspicuityinc.com they make custom reflective vests and related items.

Signaling: Make sure your turn signals are working properly – and use them. In addition, consider using hand signals in situations where you want to make absolutely sure a driver knows your intentions.  

Brake Light: If you want to make sure the driver behind you knows what you’re up to, consider flashing your brake light as you prepare to stop. Having more than one brake light is a very good idea. 

Use Your Horn:  It helps draw attention to yourself when necessary. But don't rely on it or overuse it. 

Cushion: Keeping the proper lane position is a crucial part of an effective street strategy. Maintain a space cushion on all sides of your motorcycle. This helps provide adequate reaction time if evasive maneuvers are necessary. It also helps create an "escape route."  

Lane Placement: In general, when riding alone on a straight road most people prefer to ride in the left third of the lane. It provides you the best line of sight for the road ahead, and makes you most visible to oncoming traffic. However, always be prepared to make adjustments based on road conditions and traffic patterns.  

Following Distance: Always leave a minimum of two seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. The ideal following distance will vary depending on road conditions and other factors.

S.E.E.: The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) introduced a simplified version of the mental process for making judgments and taking action in traffic: S.E.E., for Search, Evaluate, and Execute.  

Search: As you ride, scan the area aggressively, including the areas along the road and behind you. Check your mirrors frequently to maintain a constant awareness of your surroundings.  

Evaluate: Use that information to evaluate the situation, predict what unexpected hazards and challenges may arise, and actively formulate strategies to deal with them.  

Execute: Adjust your speed and positioning accordingly, while communicating your intentions to others.  

Know Your Limits: For some, knowing your skill limits may mean keeping your bike at home when the weather is threatening. For others it may mean choosing a route that avoids congested areas or timing your departure to avoid rush hour traffic. It all depends on your own skill set and comfort level. Riding while tired is another risk that no rider should take. When you're tired, your reflexes are slowed and your judgment is not as strong – a combination that no motorcycle rider can afford. 

Don’t Drink and Drive:  The result of making the wrong choice is all too clear. Statistics show that nearly 40 percent of fatally injured motorcycle operators had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or greater — the illegal limit.

Ride Safe at Night: Motorcycle accident statistics are pretty clear on this subject, after the sun goes down, accidents go up.  So here are a few tips.

Use only clear eye protection. No sunglasses and clear flip up face shields for those full-faced helmets. Keep them clean and free of scratches.

Let your eyes adjust to the darkness after leaving a brightly lit establishment.

Practice avoiding staring into headlights. Look from the headlights toward the lower right side for the white lane line.

On longer rides fatigue is common especially at night. Been riding all day and you’re tired. Take frequent breaks and don’t push it.

In the Spring and Fall animals are more likely to roam. Look for their eyes, when your headlights hit them they appear to glow. Brake quickly and slow down.

Make sure your headlight is correctly aimed and bright. Accessory light kits are a good idea, especially having more than one brake light.

Wear reflective clothing; add additional running lights or reflectors to your motorcycle to make you more visible.

Maintain more space around you when riding in traffic.

Slow down when approaching a traffic light so you don’t have to stop in a hurry. Hit your brakes in flashing manner to attract the attention of those behind you when stopped. Optional flashing brake light modules are available from after-market companies.

Watch traffic when they are approaching you, know your surroundings and always look for an escape route.

Obey the posted speed limits and do not operate a motorcycle without a license.