Motorcycle Safety Tips
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, per vehicle miles traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured.1
Everyone can do their part to safely share the road, especially between May and September, when motorcyclists are more likely to take advantage of good weather and go for a drive.
For motorcyclists:
- Before you ride, check tire pressure and tread depth. Make sure brakes, headlights and signal indicators are in working order.
- Make sure any cargo is secure and balanced. Adjust suspension and tire pressure to accommodate extra weight.
- Always ride with a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard – look for the “DOT” symbol on the outside back of the helmet.
- Don’t stop with a helmet. Wear other protective gear, such as motorcycle gloves, jacket, and pants.
- Make yourself visible. Keep your lights on, wear bright colors and use reflective tape, even during the daytime. Position yourself in the lane where drivers can see you.
- Follow traffic laws, always use turn signals, and combine hand signals with turn signals when you can to make your intentions even more clear.
- Never ride impaired.
For drivers:
- Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcyclists before entering or leaving lanes of traffic and at intersections.
- Signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic. Even when signaling, allow enough time to determine a motorcyclist's intention before you proceed.
- Increase following distance behind motorcycles and provide enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
For more information about motorcycle insurance, click here or call your local AAA South Jersey Insurance Agent at 1-855-282-2275.
1 https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles
The information listed above was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. AAA South Jersey, its affiliates and employees assume no liability in connection with the information or suggestions. The recommendations provided are general in nature; there may be additional safety procedures available that are not referenced on this webpage.