Causes of Motorcycle Crashes:

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

When a Young Rider is the Operator:

Make sure the young rider is properly licensed and insured.

Obtain a learners permit or motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license before venturing onto the streets. Most state licensing regulations require a written and riding test to receive a motorcycle license endorsement.

Attend a motorcycle rider-training course. Many states waive the on-road portion of the licensing test if the operator has successfully completed a rider education class.

Make sure the rider is alcohol and drug free.

Alcohol and drugs (including some prescription medications) impair judgement and alertness and reduce critical reaction time

These substances negatively affect a rider’s sense of balance, throttle control and the ability to shift gears.

Be certain the young rider is familiar with the motorcycle.

Read the owner’s manual thoroughly.

Attend a motorcycle rider-training course; it is the best way to learn how to operate a motorcycle safely and skillfully.

Practice riding the motorcycle in a controlled area.

The rider needs to feel comfortable riding in a variety of conditions - carrying cargo, inclement weather, slick roads, potholes, or road debris.

Young and inexperienced riders should avoid carrying passengers.

Before riding in the street, the young rider should:

Obtain a learner’s permit or motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license.

Know the traffic rules. Motorcyclists must abide by the same traffic rules as other motorists.

Always be visible and ride “defensively.”

Wear the right shoes, gloves and clothing.

Never drink and ride.

The rider should be protected from head-to-toe.

The most important piece of protection is the helmet.

Make sure it fits comfortably and snugly, and is fastened for the ride.

Look for the DOT label on the helmet when choosing a helmet.

Choose good quality goggles, glasses with plastic or safety lenses, or a helmet equipped with a face shield to protect the rider’s eyes.

Wear leather or a heavy denim jacket, long pants, and gloves. They are needed to protect the motorcyclist from weather and environmental conditions.

Make sure footwear is sturdy, extends above the ankles, and has short heels that won’t catch on rough surfaces.

To increase visibility, encourage the young rider to wear brightly colored clothing and apply reflective materials to the helmet and to the motorcycle!

Always Follow These Rules:

Treat other motorists with courtesy and respect.

Avoid tailgating.

Avoid riding between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic.

Know and obey traffic laws, including ordinances in your community.

Avoid excessive noise by leaving the stock muffler in place or using a muffler of equivalent noise reduction.

Use signals when appropriate.