Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: How to stay safe on the road

Guy sitting on a motorcycle with a black helmet on

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. And while you may not be hitting the road as often as you’d like, it’s important to make sure you know how to stay safe when you can be on your bike more regularly.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a concerted effort to ensure drivers are aware of motorcyclists like you, and the vulnerabilities you face on the road. Here are some motorcycle safety tips to help keep you safe.

Be seen and safe on the road

While this campaign strives to increase motorcycle safety awareness for car and truck drivers, as a motorcycle rider, you should also take steps to be seen and stay safe. The first one is understanding the main challenge the average vehicle driver has—seeing you in traffic. Let’s break this down:

Size: Because of their small size, motorcycles appear to be farther away than they actually are
Visibility: A motorcyclist can easily be hidden in a driver’s blind spot
Signaling: Some bikes’ turn signals are not self-canceling, which can send the wrong message to surrounding drivers about changing lanes
Movement: The ability to avoid surface hazards that car drivers don’t see can make motorcycle movements more erratic
Confusion: At night, a single headlight looks like a car from a long distance
Appearance: Black leather riding gear disappears in the dark of night

Perform regular motorcycle maintenance

Here’s an important hit-list to keep your bike in ride-ready shape:

Inspect your battery
Change your bike’s motor oil and filter frequently
Check the fuel system for signs of swelling or leaks
Inspect the brake lever, brake pads, and rotors for wear and tear and smooth functioning of caliper pistons
Check your tire pressure and inspect tire treads and wheels for damage
Keep your insurance, inspections, and other paperwork up to date

Wear the right protective gear

What you choose to wear can make a difference in comfort, visibility, and protection from injury. Here’s a list of gear you should never leave home without:

Helmet: Most states require you to wear a helmet when riding, but if you live in a state that doesn’t, we encourage you to ride with one—every time.
Eye protection: If your helmet isn’t a full-face helmet, don’t forget eye protection. Shatterproof sunglasses or goggles will help keep your eyes safe from UV rays and provide a clear view of the roadway.
Gloves: Having the right pair of gloves not only protects you from the elements, but also protects your hands in case of an accident.
Rain gear: It’s best to find rain gear made specifically to fit over the rest of your motorcycle safety gear. Keep it with you when you ride in case the weather changes unexpectedly.
Jacket, pants, and boots: The outfit you wear when riding your bike is also important. Make sure it’s comfortable for riding, will help protect you from the weather, and will provide some protection if you get in an accident.

Take a safety course

There are numerous courses available to help make you a safer and smarter motorcycle rider. Taking one of these safety courses can also help you save on your insurance policy. Visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website to find a location near you. And, until we can be out and about, try taking an online course.

Keep your insurance coverage up to date

Evaluate your insurance policy to make sure it provides appropriate coverage during this time. This may not be the most obvious part of motorcycle safety, but when the unexpected happens, you want to be sure you’re protected.

Follow your state’s coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines

A critical part of safety today is paying attention to your state’s COVID-19 guidelines, and that includes when you’re on your bike. A few things you should keep in mind when riding your bike right now:

Maintain a safe distance with other riders
Know how to safely handle the gas pump when it’s time to fill up
Be aware of other vehicles on the road
Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face while you ride

During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, take time to refamiliarize yourself with all aspects of motorcycle safety to help you stay safe and protected while you ride.