PDF of NHTSA's 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 collisions occur. Motorcyclists must remain visible to other motorists at all times. Don't ride in a car's "No Zone" (blind spot). Anticipate what may happen more than other vehicle drivers may. For example, anticipate that drivers backing their cars out of driveways may not see you; and place greater emphasis on defensive driving.

Motorcyclists also must be more cautious when riding in inclement weather, on slippery surfaces, or when encountering obstacles on the roadway. They must place greater reliance on their helmets, eye protection, and clothing to increase riding comfort and to reduce the severity of injury should they become involved in a crash.

Approximately half of all fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crashes 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.

CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE CRASHES:
Many motorcycle crashes can be attributed to:

  • 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 limits

On average, 25 percent of motorcycle operators killed in traffic crashes 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 agen¬cies have to ensure they have the knowl¬edge and skill needed to safely and skillfully operate a motorcycle

AFTER YOU BUY, BUT BEFORE YOU RIDE

The safe operation of a motorcycle requires different skill and knowledge than is needed for a car.

Never ride without a certified motorcycle helmet and eye protection.

Insist on a helmet that has a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) label. Helmet:
This is the most important piece of equipment. Safety helmets save lives by reducing the extent of head injuries in the event of a crash. Many good helmets are available. Make sure it fits comfortably and snugly, and is fastened for the ride. In choosing a helmet look for the DOT label on the helmet. The DOT label on helmets constitutes the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the Federal standard. In many States, use of a helmet is required by law. Passengers should also wear helmets.

A consumer information brochure on how to choose and care for a motorcycle helmet is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., NTI-121, Washington, DC 20590.

Eye Protection:  
Since many motorcycles don't have windshields, riders must protect their eyes against insects, dirt, rocks, or other airborne matter. Even the wind can cause the eyes to tear and blur vision, and good vision is imperative when riding.

Choose good quality goggles, glasses with plastic or safety lenses, or a helmet equipped with a face shield. Goggles, glasses, and face shields should be scratch-free, shatterproof, and well ventilated to prevent fog buildup. Only clear shields should be used at night since tinted shields reduce contrast and make it more difficult to see. Even if your motorcycle has a windshield, eye protection is recommended.

Read your owner's manual thoroughly.

Use it to get familiar with your motorcycle.

Attend a motorcycle rider-training course.

It is the best way to learn how to operate a motorcycle safely and skillfully. Rider-training classes provide unique knowledge and skills that you may not learn if a friend teaches you how to ride.

For the location of an MSF-approved rider-training course, call toll free, 800-446-9227.

Wear the right shoes, gloves, and clothing.

Thick, protective garb not only provides comfort against the elements, but also may be all there is between you and the pavement in a crash.

BEFORE RIDING IN THE STREET

  • Remember that a motorcyclist must abide by the same traffic rules and regulations as other motorists. Before tak¬ing your motorcycle on a public road, become familiar with traffic rules and regulations and any special requirements for motorcycles.
  • Be aware that riding with a passenger requires even more skill than riding alone. Riding with a passenger should be delayed until you have considerable solo riding time and are ready to take on the responsibility of carrying a passenger. 
  • Obtain your learner's permit or motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license before you venture onto the streets. You will be required to display the knowledge and skill needed to operate a motorcycle safely before being issued a motorcycle operator's license.

Never drink and ride.
Alcohol slows reflexes and greatly limits your ability to operate a motorcycle. Even a very small amount of alcohol can reduce your ability to operate a motorcycle safely.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT:
Studies show that the head, arms, and legs are most often injured in a crash.
Protective clothing and equipment serve a three-fold purpose for motorcyclists: comfort and protection from the elements; some measure of injury protection; and through use of color or reflective material, a means for other motorists to see the motorcyclist.

Jackets and Trousers:
Clothing worn when riding a motorcycle should provide some measure of protection from abrasion in the event of a spill. These should be of durable material (e.g., special synthetic material or leather). Jackets should have long sleeves. Trousers (not shorts) should not be baggy or flared at the bottom to prevent entanglement with the chain, kick starter, footpegs, or other protrusions on the sides of a motorcycle.

Gloves:
Durable gloves are recommended. They should be of the non-slip type to permit a firm grip on the controls. Leather gloves are excellent, as are special fabric gloves with leather palms and grip strips on the fingers. Gauntlet-type gloves keep air out of the rider's sleeves. Appropriate gloves are available for all types of weather.

Footwear:
Proper footwear affords protection for the feet, ankles, and lower parts of the legs. Leather boots are best. Durable athletic shoes that cover the ankles are a good second choice. Sandals, sneak¬ers, and similar footwear should not be used since they provide little protection from abrasion or a crushing impact. Avoid dangling laces that can get in the way.

Note: Upper body clothing should be brightly colored. Some riders wear lightweight reflective orange or yellow vests over their jackets. Retro-reflective material used on clothing, helmet, and the motorcycle helps to make the rider visible to other motorists, especially at night. A high percentage of car-vehicle crashes occur because the driver of the other vehicle failed to see the rider in time to avoid the crash.

Click on the graphic to go to the NHTSA motorcycle traffic safety facts.Motorcycling Safety

 In 2008, 5,290 motorcyclists were killed--an increase of 2 percent over the 5,174 motorcyclists killed in 2007. There were 96,000 motorcyclists injured during 2008.

Click on the graphic to go to the NHTSA motorcycle traffic safety facts.