Motorcycle Safety – Ride Smart Whether you are just starting to think about purchasing your first bike or a seasoned motorcycle veteran, motorcycle safety should always be your prime concern and a riding course is always a good idea. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation states the following about motorcycle safety: A motorcyclist should attend a motorcycle rider-training course to learn how to safely and skillfully operate a motorcycle A motorcyclist has to be more careful and aware at intersections where most motorcycle/vehicle mishaps occur Motorcyclists must remain visible to other motorists at all times. Don't ride in a car's blind spot Anticipate what may happen. For example, anticipate that drivers backing their cars out of driveways may not see you. Also, place greater emphasis on defensive driving Motorcyclists must be more cautious when riding in inclement weather, on slippery surfaces, or when encountering obstacles on the roadway Motorcyclists must place greater reliance on their helmet, eye protection and clothing to increase riding comfort and to reduce the severity of injury should they become involved in a motorcycle mishap Approximately half of all fatal single-vehicle motorcycle mishaps involve alcohol. A motorcycle requires more skill and coordination to operate than a car. Riding a motorcycle while under the influence of any amount of alcohol significantly decreases an operator's ability to operate the motorcycle safely An estimated one-third of motorcyclists killed in traffic mishaps are not licensed or are improperly licensed to operate a motorcycle. By not obtaining a motorcycle operator license, riders are bypassing the only method they and state licensing agencies have to ensure they have the knowledge and skill needed to safely and skillfully operate a motorcycle Some Causes of Motorcycle Mishaps: Lack of basic riding skills Failure to appreciate the inherent operating characteristics Failure to appreciate the limitations of the motorcycle Failure to use special precautions while riding Failure to use defensive driving techniques Lack of specific braking and cornering skills Failure to follow speed limit