Don’t Forget to Use your Front Brake!
They didn’t invent it simply to look cool. You don’t want your front brake to lock up so if it happens, release and reapply pressure. It’s okay If your back brake locks up and you begin to skid. As long as your front wheel is straight, you’ll skid in a straight line.
Intersection Danger
The majority of motorcycle accidents happen in intersections. Be sure to pay extra attention when ever stopped, driving through or approaching an intersection. Always assume the worst (e.g. other drivers can’t see you, are horrible drivers, are drunk, etc) and prepare to act accordingly.
Keep Your Eyes Moving
Never let your eyes focus on one object too long. Keep your eyes moving and looking for possible dangers around you. Bad drivers, cars changing lanes, cars backing out of driveways or parking spots and pedestrians that may not see you all deserve your attention. Do not gawk and stare as you pass an accident.
Keep A Safe Distance Between You And The Car In Front Of You
If you’re driving less than 40 mph, keep at least a 2 second gap between you and the car in front of you. If you’re driving over 40 mph, keep at least 3 to 4 seconds between you. How do you figure out the gap? Pick an object (like a tree or sign) and count the seconds it takes for it to reach you as it passes the car in front of you.
Keep Your Visor Clean
If your helmet has a visor, you need to keep it as clean as possible. If there are any cracks or scratches, you need to replace it. Something on your visor may impair your vision just enough to lead to an accident; especially if you’re driving at night.
Don’t Brake While Turning
Braking while turning is dangerous. If you must do it, brake gradually. If you have the option, stand your bike up then brake.
Rain
Make sure you’ve got a rain poncho and or other rain gear stashed away somewhere in your bike or backpack. If it starts to rain and you have the option, pull off the road for a bite to eat or to take a break. Hopefully the rain will quickly pass.
If you have to ride while it’s raining, be extra careful when the rain first starts. The oil that’s leaked onto the roads will float to the top and make the roads more slippery until it’s all washed away.
Whether you drive a Harley or Vespa, riding on the open road is a wonderful experience.
Protect yourself and your baby (your bike) by getting adequate insurance.
I’m happy to offer Safeco Motorcycle insurance to my clients. In addition to fantastic rates, you also automatically receive $1,000 coverage for your safety riding apparel (helmet, leathers, gloves, boots, etc) per person along with $3,000 coverage for any customized parts (chrome, additional lights, electronics, custom paint, etc) all for free!
Discounts are also available if you're a member of certain motorcycle groups such as American Motorcycle Association (AMA), Harley Owners Group (HOG), Honda Riders Club of America (HRCA), Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) and many more. If you're a part of motorcycle club and don't see their name here, give me a call (858-541-2222) to see if your group qualifies for discounted insurance.
Enjoy the outdoors and stay safe while riding.
Give me a call or send me an email for a quick, free motorcycle insurance quote.
Is your Collission deductible too high? Many people choose a $1,000 Collission deductible to save a few dollars on their insurance premium. They're not that happy when they cause an accident and have to come with $1,000, though. Check to see if it's worth the savings.
Do you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage? It's one of the least expensive parts of an insurance policy and yet some people choose not to have it. If someone hits you and they don't have insurance (or enough insurance to cover your injuries) you can use your policy to take care of you and/or your passenger's injuries (up to the limits you choose). If you don't have this insurance... have fun trying to get money from the other party in court... if ever.
Is your Bodily Injury Liability coverage sufficient? California only requires $15K per person / $30K per accident / $5K property damage. If you cause an accident, injuries and damage to the other party's car can go over this limit very quickly (and you would then be responsible to pay it). Check to see if a little more coverage is financially doable for you. It's typically not very much.