Five quick tips for staying safe on two wheels

We’re all being pinched by ridiculously high gas prices right now, and with no relief in sight many drivers are looking for ways to save a buck or two.  For those who downsize from a car or truck to a motorcycle, the savings can be huge.  Motorcycles average about 56 miles per gallon (mpg) and aren’t that expensive to buy – a decent model can cost just about $4,000.

However, consider this: safety experts are noticing a rise in motorcycle accidents not only in our region but across the country, as more inexperienced riders take to the roads.  To help you stay safe if you’ve recently made the switch to a motorcycle, here are five quick tips for staying safe on two wheels:

1. Take safety seriously – motorcycle riding is dangerous, and you need to ride carefully and be constantly aware of what’s going on around you.
2. Take motorcycle safety classes – this is very important for new riders or those who haven’t been on two wheels in a while.
3. Get a valid license – the licensing process is intended to keep you – and those around you – safe.  Don’t think you can get away with skipping this important step.
4. Wear protective gear – always wear a helmet with eye and face protection, and don reflective clothing when driving in conditions with limited visibility.
5. Watch your speed – a leading cause of motorcycle accidents is excessive speed.  Yes, its great fun to ride your motorcycle – but don’t let it go to your head.

One last thing to look out for if you’ve become the proud new owner of a high-performance sport bike – these bikes are resulting in an alarming number of serious accidents and fatalities, especially in our region.  Check out our law library article, “Are High-Performance Sport Bikes Causing Deadly Motorcycle Accidents?” for more information.