Safety issues for motorcyclists

Protection is everything for a motorcyclist. There is nothing better than the freedom afforded the rider on the open road, but with that reward of freedom comes great danger.

To maximize the enjoyment of the ride, a motorcyclist should take every precaution to make sure that he is fully protected, both physically and financially.

Training

The state of Pennsylvania's legislature created the Motorcycle Safety Program (MSP) in 1984. This program was developed to teach riders the basics of motorcycle operation and the best ways to stay safe on the road. The course is free to all Pennsylvania riders with a valid license and has trained over 365,000 riders since its inception, with 69 training sites around the state.

Equipment

One of the best ways to protect yourself when riding a motorcycle is to wear a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that helmets reduce the likelihood of a crash fatality by 37 percent. In Pennsylvania, all riders during the first two years of their license are required to wear a helmet, unless they have taken an approved safety course. All riders under 21 years of age must wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle.

As with any motor vehicle, you should never drink and drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association notes that in 2008, nearly 30 percent of motorcyclists involved in a fatal accident had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08 percent; compared with only 23 percent of drivers of cars.

Insurance

Many riders take the bare minimum route when it comes to insurance coverage. This is usually due to people looking at the issue in terms of finances. Riders need to understand the difference between Underinsured Motorist Protection and Uninsured Motorist protection. Even riders who believe that they have 'full coverage' are often mistaken and are left finding out there are exemptions, caps and regulations to this 'full coverage' at the worst possible time. To learn more about the types of insurance coverage and how to make sure you are legally protected, feel free to contact us.