Sharing the Road
Ushering the summer season in May, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a good time to increase safety awareness and safety measures for motorcycle riders and vehicle drivers. Sharing the road means motorists must be aware of motorcyclists and understand they share the same rights and responsibilities. Key messages for drivers include:
● Always be on the lookout for motorcyclists
● Focus on driving; avoid distraction
● Use your turn signals
● Give motorcyclists plenty of room
● Don't speed
Improve Your Motorcycling Skills and Safety with Training
Motorcycling is a unique experience. Whether you ride to and from work, prefer the camaraderie of a group ride on the weekend or enjoy the vistas of an off-pavement excursion, motorcycling engages all your senses and creates an exhilarating sense of freedom.
Along with that freedom comes responsibility, and it's crucial to take every safety precaution.
All states require some form of license to ride a motorcycle on the street, demonstrating a minimum level of riding skill and knowledge. Liability insurance also is required. If your state does not require a hands-on training course before applying for a license, consider taking one anyway to learn basic riding skills and how to stay safe in traffic.
Riding a motorcycle requires a heightened sense of awareness, and more strength and coordination than driving a car. Riding also involves some risks not encountered when driving other vehicles. Motorcycle riders require more maneuvering skill and are more vulnerable in a crash. Motorcycles are not as easily seen as cars or trucks because of their narrow profile. Other motorists, particularly those who don’t ride a motorcycle, may not be looking for motorcycles in traffic. This places the motorcyclist at risk, particularly at intersections.
All these risks can be managed through training and education. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a wide variety of tips and videos on general riding safety, as well as on specific aspects of motorcycling. Check out complete the MSF Library.
