Motorcycle Safety - 6 Tips to Keep You Safe This Riding Season

Getting ready for the riding season, here are a few tips to help keep you safe.

1. Learn - 9 out of 10 motorcycle accidents involve riders with no formal training. Knowing your bike's capabilities, how it performs on slick pavement or in a curve can help prevent common errors such as overbraking, driving too fast, or undercornering. All which are major factors in many single bike accidents. Taking a Motorcycle Rider Course is recommended to develop basic riding skills and techniques.

Many insurance companies offer discounts to riders who complete a motorcycle safety riding course. These course as well as memberships to groups who promote safe riding can reduce your premium by up to 10 percent. For more information on discounts available for Louisville motorcycle insurance, contact one of our agents at (502)933-2255 or (800)468-1215.

2. Inspection and Maintenance - After a long winter, it's always a good idea to check your bike to make sure everything is working properly. You should actually make a habit of inspecting your motorcycle before each ride, but especially when your bike hasn't been used for a while.

- Test the lights, brakes, and turn signals.
- Make sure the mirrors are positioned correctly.
- Check the oil and fuel levels.
- Check the cables to make sure they aren't worn or frayed.

It is also important to know how to perform basic maintenance on your bike. This can be especially important for long rides or trips. Your owner's manual can usually give you most of directions you'll need.

3. Invest in Good Gear - No one's too old to wear a helmet. Riders who don't wear helmets are 5 times more likely to suffer a critical head injury in an accident. Wearing the appropriate gear is always a smart move for both comfort and protection. That includes a helmet (DOT label, which shows that it meets federal safety standards), eye protection, long sleeve shirt or jacket, full finger gloves, long pants, and shoes that cover your ankles.

- Buy a full face helmet for the best protection of your head and eyes. Choose a helmet that fits well. If it doesn't have a face shield wear safety glasses.
- Wear heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants, and jacket. Trust us the expense will be well worth it if you are ever in an accident.
- Invest in over-the-ankle leather boots or even sneakers

Did you get some new gear this year? Make sure that your motorcycle policy covers each piece of your equipment and is listed on your policy. Whether its new safety equipment or modifications to your bike, be sure to update your policy before you hit the road.

4. Stand Out - When motorcycles collide with other vehicles, it's often because the driver of the other vehicle couldn't see the motorcycle. It's important to take extra steps to become more visible to other drivers when on the road. Wearing bright clothing or retroreflective material can help make yourself easier to be seen. It's also recommended that you use your headlights, even during the day, and make a point of positioning yourself in your lane of visibility.

5. Ride Sober - Riding impaired by drugs, alcohol, or even prescription drugs is much more dangerous for bikers than other drivers. It impairs your judgment and drastically slows your reaction time. More than half of all motorcycle deaths occur when a rider has been drinking.

6. Always Obey the Law - Don't speed and know the local traffic laws when you're out on the road.

- Don't speed
- Don't tailgate other vehicles
- Don't weave through traffic or drive on the shoulder
- Be considerate and respectful to other drivers
- Use your turn signals

Be smart and follow these basic motorcycle tips and you'll have a safer spring and summer of riding. Get a free online motorcycle insurance quote or talk to one of our agents at (502)933-2255 or (800)468-1215.

By Matt Reynolds - Google+

Motorcycle Safety - 6 Tips to Keep You Safe This Riding Season

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