Motorcycle Safety

HELPFUL TIPS FOR BOTH BEGINNERS AND EXPERIENCED RIDERS

Motorcycle insurance is critical to the protection of your investment—just as safety is a significant investment in your being able to have a great time. Riding a motorcycle looks like pure freedom. There’s just you and your bike, cruising along underneath the wide-open sky. But any biker will tell you that freedom is earned with safety.

Tips for Beginners

Even before you start riding, you can help ensure your safety in a few important ways:

• Take a Motorcycle Training or Motorcycle Safety course to get the skills you need so you can ride with confidence. (You may get insurance discounts for passing a safety course, too.)
• Find a bike that “fits” not just your size but also your skill level. Make sure you can reach all the controls and that your feet touch the ground when you’re not moving. You can always get a higher horsepower motorcycle once you’ve got a few miles beneath your boots.
• Choose a brightly colored bike if possible. The #1 reason motorists give for hitting or cutting off a motorcycle is, “I didn’t see it.” Bright colors get attention.
• Get good gear from the get-go. Full-face helmets are considered the most safe, but you can also go with a good helmet and goggles, a safe (leather or non-leather) motorcycle jacket and pants, and sturdy boots. Gloves do double duty by protecting the skin on your hands and keeping your hands warm.

Refresher for All Riders

For those who’ve been riding for some time, you know that driving safely means you get to spend more time doing what you love. Here are some smart ways to prevent crashes and injuries:

• Keep headlights and marker and taillights on at dusk and in dark or rainy weather—make sure motorists see you.
• Find a bike that “fits” not just your size but also your skill level. Make sure you can reach all the controls and that your feet touch the ground when you’re not moving. You can always get a higher horsepower motorcycle once you’ve got a few miles beneath your boots.
• Stay three to four seconds behind a vehicle you intend to pass, check oncoming traffic from the left side of the lane, signal the intention to turn, and then check for oncoming traffic before passing.
• Check your rear-view mirror and quickly turn your head to ensure the vehicle is a safe distance behind you when completing a pass.
• Ride sober, stay alert, and avoid distractions.
• Wear a helmet that meets a high protection standard.
• Wear proper clothing, eyewear, and sturdy, closed-toe footwear.

Choosing the Best Motorcycle Insurance

An important part of riding safely is having good motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle insurance provided through AAA offers replacement cost coverage and travel loss reimbursement, and may also include coverage for permanently attached accessories, as well as safety apparel and helmets. Get your free online motorcycle insurance quote today.