As Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month rolls around, let’s check out some motorcycle safety tips!

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and it’s an excellent time for it before we all start hitting the road again on our bikes. It’s great to get out on the highway, but motorcycle safety is a serious issue.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riders are up to 28 times more likely to die in a crash than those driving in a vehicle. Last year alone, almost 380k thousand motorcycle riders were killed on roads worldwide.

To help raise awareness around motorcycle safety, let’s check out some safety tips for both motorcycle riders and also other drivers on the road.

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Motorists

  • Check Your Blind Spots – As motorcycles are faster and smaller than regular vehicles, they may move into your blind spot quicker. Therefore, it’s essential to be constantly checking your blind spot when you know motorcycles are around you.
  • Check Left & Right – Whenever you’re approaching an intersection or making turns, it’s a good idea to look both ways.
  • Avoid Sudden Braking – If you have a motorcycle close behind you, it’s always a good idea to avoid sudden braking, swerving, or switching lanes.
  • Give Plenty of Notice – If you’re planning a lane change or taking an exit, don’t leave it to the last minute. Give those around you plenty of notice and if it’s not 100% safe, stay in your lane or take another exit.

Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders

  • Road Debris & Hazards – Road debris, trash, and other hazards are serious issues for motorcycle riders. Debris could be the result of trash or items falling from vehicles or the result of weather shifting items onto the road.
  • Weather Conditions – Snow, ice, rain, and wind all wreak havoc on road conditions. Whenever you’re driving in poor weather conditions, you need to remain extra vigilant and be aware that the road could be slippery, especially after heavy rain.
  • Potholes – Potholes can become a huge safety issue for motorcycle riders, especially after winter. When you’re getting out on the road after winter, be vigilant for potholes. One large pothole could not only damage your motorcycle but also send you flying off the road.
  • Where A DOT-Compliant Helmet – If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, a DOT-compliant helmet could prevent serious head injuries or, worse, death.
  • Avoid Animals – When driving of a night, animals on the highway can be a serious safety concern for motorcyclists. Be vigilant around dusk and dawn, and also keep an eye on the verge of the highway when traveling through heavily wooded areas.

When You Need A Tow

While being out on the highway on a motorcycle gives you that ever-elusive feeling of freedom, you must always be aware of your surroundings. Be vigilant of other road users. Driving defensively is a great way to help avoid any accidents.

If you have been involved in any automotive accident in Eagle County or Summit County, Colorado, or you have experienced a motorcycle accident, Mountain Recovery is only a phone call away at 970-476-1124. We operate 24/7, 365 days a year, to keep you moving and help get your  motorcycle back on the road.