Motorcycle Safety Tips

Learn  
More than 90% of riders involved in accidents had no formal training. Take a Motorcycle RiderCourse® to develop good basic riding techniques.

Get Licensed  
Nearly half of all motorcycle riders involved in accidents are unlicensed or improperly licensed.

Prepare  
Wear appropriate gear for comfort and protection.

Be Seen  
Stand out. Wear bright clothing and use retroreflective* material.

Be Awake  
Fatigue and drowsiness can impair a motorcyclist's ability to react.

Plan  
When riding in a group, determine your route in advance and coordinate it with the other riders.

Inspect  
Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride.

Ride Sober  
Alcohol and other drugs affect judgment and do not mix with motorcycling.

Obey the Law 
Don't speed; know the local traffic laws and rules of the road.

Be Courteous 
Be considerate on the road; show courtesy and respect to other drivers.

Improve  
Take an Experienced RiderCourse® to sharpen your street-riding strategies and accident-avoidance skills.

*Retroreflectivity is the result of light being reflected back to its source on paths which are parallel to those striking the reflector.  This quality is essential for night time visibility.  It operates by making use of the light intensity of vehicle headlights and other light sources, providing visibility without the use of electricity or batteries.

 

To find the nearest State-sponsored
Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourse®, call 1-800-446-9227
or visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website

 

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 335, Albany, NY 12228