Motorcycle Safety Tips

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, designed to encourage all drivers and motorcyclists to share the road with each other in the hopes of improving the number of injuries and fatalities of motorcyclists. 

In 2014, 4,586 motorcyclists in the United States were killed in traffic accidents, which was a 2.3% decrease from the previous year. Hopefully, safe riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help continue to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries this year.

The following are some safety tips put out by the Insurance Industry to help ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable motorcycle season.

1.) Take a motorcycle safety course:  Sharpen your riding skills with a formal motorcycle safety course.  Taking a riding course is one of the best ways to learn the basics of operating a motorcycle and making wise judgments when riding.  Some Insurance Companies offer a discount if you complete a course. 

2.) Check your bike: Proper motorcycle maintenance is just as important as practicing safe riding.  Make sure a qualified mechanic checks your bike to make sure it is in good working condition.

3.) Always wear a helmet and protective clothing: A helmet is a riders most important piece of safety and in most states, it’s the law.  Leather clothing offers good protection from road scrapes and can minimize severe injuries.  Reflective clothing will make it easier for other drivers to see you, especially at night.

4.) Follow the rules of the road and ride defensively: Obey the rules of the road and give yourself enough time to brake.  Also, ride defensively.  Many motorcycle accidents are caused by a driver violating a riders right of way.  Always ride with your lights on and signal well in advance before changing lanes or direction.

5.) Stay out of blind spots and watch for road hazards: Make sure to position your bike in the lane behind a car so that you can be seen at all time.  It’s difficult for drivers to see a motorcycle if your riding in their blind spot.  And stay alert to road hazards.  Potholes, train tracks, oil slicks and road debris are all problems, even for the most experienced riders.

6.) Never drink and ride: This one goes without saying.  Alcohol affects your judgment, vision and decreases your ability to ride and react defensively.  Under all circumstances, never drink and ride a motorcycle.

Kevin Connors is a Certified Insurance Counselor and licensed Property/Casualty and Life Insurance Agent with The Connors Insurance Agency in Mechanicville, NY.  Mr. Connors can be reached at (518)664-7307 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.