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Tips for Preventing Motorcycle Injuries

  • If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet. Helmets are your best defense against serious and fatal brain injuries.
  • In addition to your helmet, wear eye and face protection. Many helmets have built-in visors or other face guards. Wear long pants, gloves, boots, and a durable long-sleeved jacket.
  • Get licensed. All states require a motorcycle license.
  • Never drink alcohol before operating a motorcycle.
  • Follow all the rules of the road. Don't speed-40 percent of motorcyclists who died in crashes were speeding.
  • Watch for hazards on the road, such as large cracks, holes, and bumps. Keep an eye out for vehicles coming from driveways and side streets
  • Make sure your headlight is on every time you ride. (This is a law in most states.)
  • Don't let anyone ride with you until you are skilled at riding in all kinds of conditions.
  • If you're a new rider, take a motorcycle riders' course. To locate a course near you, call 1-800-446-9227.
  • When passengers ride with you, they must wear a helmet and protective gear.
  • Insist that passengers sit behind you on the motorcycle.
  • Make sure passengers' feet can reach the footrests. Insist that they keep their feet on the footrests at all times, even when you stop.
  • Don't let passengers get on the motorcycle until after you start it.
  • Tell your passengers to lean with you when you turn.
  • Insist that passengers hold on to your waist all the time.
  • Instruct passengers to keep their legs away from the muffler to avoid burns.
  • Ask that passengers limit their movement and talking.

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