When it comes to motorcycle safety, attention to detail is critical.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists face significantly higher risks in comparison to passengers in other vehicles. For every mile traveled, the risk of injury for motorcyclists is four times higher than that for passenger car occupants. The risk for fatality is far worse: seven times that of injury — or 28 times more likely than car passengers.

Considering the dramatic difference in risk between motorbike and passenger car travel, it’s worth taking a detailed look at both common and lesser-known motorcycle safety practices.

When it comes to motorcycle safety, attention to detail is critical.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists face significantly higher risks in comparison to passengers in other vehicles. For every mile traveled, the risk of injury for motorcyclists is four times higher than that for passenger car occupants. The risk for fatality is far worse: seven times that of injury — or 28 times more likely than car passengers.

Considering the dramatic difference in risk between motorbike and passenger car travel, it’s worth taking a detailed look at both common and lesser-known motorcycle safety practices.

Safety For All

Simply due to the lack of protection atop their bikes, motorcyclists are inherently exposed to more danger than other motorists. This exposure should be cause for heightened caution when they take to the road.

Drivers should look carefully before turning out of driveways or side streets and before changing lanes. Both car drivers and motorcyclists should afford each other adequate space on the road, especially when signaling turns or passing.

Even homeowners play a role in motorcycle safety by ensuring clear sightlines and proper disposal of lawn debris. Grass clippings strewn across a curve in the road can create a dangerously slick surface, and even a small dog with a passion for chasing vehicles can represent a hazard to motorcyclists.

Good Maintenance Is Good Safety

Even with everyone on the alert for motorcycle traffic, the ultimate responsibility for motorcycle safety lies with the riders themselves — starting with maintenance. A boat with a hole in the hull won’t make for a relaxed day of safe sailing. Likewise, a motorcycle with defective or worn components is an ongoing hazard to its rider.

Whether you own an adventure bike, a cruiser or a street bike, a regimented equipment check is vital to safe riding. When setting out for the open road, remember to perform a thorough T-CLOCS inspection, covering: 

• Tires
• Wheels
• Controls
• Lights and Electrical
• Oil and Other Fluids
• Chassis
• Stands

Of these items, tires may be the most important. Proper inflation and lack of wear are major contributors to safe operation. Running this sort of mechanical check before each ride will help make sure you don’t wind up on the wrong side of a component failure.

Brakes are another critically important safety factor, often allowing a biker to engineer a quick exit from a bad situation. Brake fluid can absorb moisture over time, and brake pads or shoes can wear quickly, so always check your braking system for proper function.

Also, regularly inspect your chain for slack and wear. It will not only contribute to the safety of your ride, it will help ensure the sort of smooth performance that allows you to enjoy the experience.

Good Gear

Gear malfunctions can be more than a nuisance; they can be downright dangerous. Be sure to maintain your gear as well as your machine.

• Helmet. Always wear an approved helmet and make sure it’s in good working order — snap, strap, liner and visor.
• Attire. Good clothing can be the difference between some bumps or bruises and a trip to the emergency room.
  If your attire is becoming worn, check your warranty for potential replacement. A good selection of gloves can keep your hands comfortably in contact with the grips in any kind of weather.
• Accessories. If you ride with panniers or bags, check them for security before every ride. A dropped bag might not change your ride, but it might make a world of difference to the person following you.

Riding Right

One of the most important safety aspects of motorcycling is technique. Effective riding habits make a big difference in reaction time and collision avoidance by allowing the rider to avoid trouble before it happens.

For example, covering brake and clutch levers with at least one finger prepares you for emergency maneuvers. Studies have shown that at surface-street speeds of about 35 miles per hour, every tenth-of-a-second in delayed braking reaction time can result in almost five additional feet of forward travel.

The use of mirrors is important to maintain situational awareness by identifying potential hazards and escape paths. However, mirrors should not be relied upon exclusively to track your surroundings, and frequent head-checks should be used to determine the proximity of other vehicles before maneuvering.

Staying focused at all times and avoiding distractions while maintaining both hands on the grips at all times will help you react swiftly and confidently to unforeseen events.

Above all, maintain a safe distance between you and other vehicles. You never know when somebody’s surfboard is going to fly off the roof rack in front of you and turn your dream ride into a nightmare.

Manage Your Risks

Part of the deal of motorcycling is managing the risks involved. At Erie Insurance, we can show you how to enjoy even more peace of mind with great motorcycle insurance. Talk to a local ERIE agent today to learn how we can help you enjoy the open road with confidence.