Motorcycle Rider Resources
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a very important resource with a mission to make motorcycle riding more safe and enjoyable. They do this by ensuring access to lifelong quality education and training for riders now and in the future. They provide leadership to the motorcycle safety community through expertise, tools, and partnerships. One of the best resources they provide are MSF RiderCourses, which are classes to teach motorcycle safety to those who seek it. There is a RiderCourse hotline available at 1-800-446-9227 for more information.
Safety Contract
The MSF provides a Motorcycle Safety Contract for Safety, which can aid people in thinking twice as it applies to the decisions they make when riding a motorcycle. It states that, as a rider, you must appreciate that your loved ones around you may have some concerns about you riding and that the choices you make can affect those around you. It encourages people to:
- Be aware of the risks associated with motorcycling
- Get trained and licensed
- Wear protective gear
- Select an appropriate motorcycle
- Use a safe-riding strategy
- Ride within limits
- Ride unimpaired
- Keep the motorcycle in excellent operating condition
- Be a lifelong learner
By accepting the terms and conditions, a rider makes a safe decision to ride trained and avoid being reckless. Responsibility is the key to straying away from life-threatening accidents. The whole contract can be read here:
http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/MSF_Rider_Choices_Contract_for_Safety.pdf
New Jersey supports riding safe on roadways when operating a motorcycle. They believe that taking education courses can lead to a better understanding on the rules of the road. In New Jersey, courses are available that do not require you to have ever even ridden a motorcycle prior. The only real requirement is to be physically able to balance and ride a bicycle. The cost of the courses will vary from course to course, but overall they are very affordable and even “costs less than a good helmet.”
Why is motorcycle safety so important?
The annual toll of traffic crashes unfortunately remains very high, despite measures put in place over the years. Recent data indicates that deaths and injuries attributed to motorcycle crashes are becoming a large portion of overall crash information. These crashes have been increasing since 1997, but injuries have been increasing since 1999. The fact of the matter is that many motorcycle accidents could be prevented if those riding would take responsibility for ensuring they have done everything possible to make the ride safe. This could include operator training, wearing protective gear, and riding sober. It is important to take these matters to heart, as 80% of motorcycle crashes lead to injury or fatality.
Some Quick Tips to Safety
- Remember that motorcycle riding requires dedicated attention to tasks and awareness at all times. This includes remembering that car drivers may not see you when riding and could possibly cut you off or squeeze into your riding lane without proper warning.
- Wearing protective gear is important no matter where your destination is or what the duration of your ride happens to be.
- You must always select a motorcycle to ride that fits your physical characteristics and is otherwise the perfect fit for you.
- Never use alcohol or drugs while riding.
- Ride within your limits – meaning, do not ride faster or longer than your abilities will allow.
- Return periodically for refresher rider training courses to brush up on your skills and knowledge, as your knowledge may not last forever.
Be safe and remember the ways of the road to prevent injury and harm. If you happen to be harmed in a motorcycle accident, you will want a personal injury attorney on your side that understands your case. Call MDL today for a free consultation!
