DOT HS 807 709
Revised October, 1999

The assistance of the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation in the
development of this booklet
is gratefully acknowledged.

An excellent source of
additional information is:

2 Jenner Street, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 727-3227
http://www.msf-usa.org




For location of a RiderCourse nearest
you call toll free: (800) 446-9227
Photos: Courtesy of Dean Groover

• How safe is motorcycling?
  
  
• How does it compare to
  driving an automobile?
  
  
• Are there any special
  precautions to be observed?
  
  
• What are the causes of
  motorcycle crashes and
  how can crashes be reduced?

BACKGROUND:
There are over 4 million motorcycles registered in the United States. The popularity of this mode of trans- portation is attributed to the low initial cost of a motorcycle, its use as a pleasure vehicle and, for some models, the good fuel efficiency. Motorcycle fatalities represent approximately five percent of all highway fatalities each year, yet motorcycles represent just two percent of all registered vehicles in the United States. One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection in a crash. For example, approximately 80 percent of reported motor- cycle crashes result in injury or death; a comparable figure for automobiles is about 20 percent.
An automobile has more weight and bulk than a motorcycle. It has door beams and a roof to provide some measure of protection from impact or rollover. It has cushioning and airbags to soften impact and safety belts to hold passengers in their seats. It has windshield washers and wipers to assist visibility in the rain and snow. An automobile has more stability because it's on four wheels, and because of its size, it is easier to see. A motorcycle suffers in comparison when considering vehicle characteristics that directly contribute to occupant safety. What a motorcycle sacrifices in weight, bulk, and other crashworthiness characteristics is somewhat offset by its agility, maneuverability, ability to stop quickly, and ability to swerve quickly when necessary.

A motorcyclist should attend a motorcycle rider-training course to learn how to safely and skillfully operate a motorcycle. A motorcyclist has to be more careful and aware at intersections, where most motorcycle -vehicle collisions occur. Motorcyclists must remain visible to other motorists at all times. Don't ride in a car's "No Zone" (blind spot). Anticipate what may happen more than other vehicle drivers may. For example, anticipate that drivers backing their cars out of driveways may not see you; and place greater emphasis on defensive driving. Motorcyclists also must be more cautious when riding in inclement weather, on slippery surfaces, or when encountering obstacles on the roadway. They must place greater reliance on their helmet,

The causes of many motorcycle
crashes can be attributed to:

• lack of basic riding skills
  
  
• failure to appreciate the inherent
  operating characteristics
  
  
• failure to appreciate the
  limitations of the motorcycle
  
  
• failure to use special
  
  precautions while riding
  
  
• failure to use defensive
  driving techniques.
  
  
• lack of specific braking
  and cornering skills
  
  
• failure to follow speed
  limit

eye protection and clothing to increase riding comfort and to reduce the severity of injury should they become involved in a crash. Approximately half of all fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. A motorcycle requires more skill and coordination to operate than a car. Riding a motorcycle while under the influence of any amount of alcohol significantly decreases an operator's ability to operate the motorcycle safely. An estimated 33 percent of motorcycle operators killed in traffic crashes are not licensed or are improperly licensed to operate a motorcycle. By not obtaining a motorcycle operator license, riders are bypassing the only method they and state licensing agencies have to ensure they have the knowledge and skill needed to safely and skillfully operate a motorcycle.

A motorcycle should be selected
for a comfortable fit and functional
requirements.


• Select a motorcycle that fits.
  A motorcyclist should be able to
  touch the ground with both feet
  when astride the vehicle.
  
  
• If you will be carrying a
  passenger, make sure the motorcycle
  you select has a passenger seat as
  well as footrests (footpegs) for
  the passenger.
  
  
• Check the location of the controls.
  Make sure you can reach and operate
  them easily and comfort

Functional Requirements:


• Buy the power you need, but only as much as you can handle safely. Large motorcycles are heavy, and you must be strong enough to push it, or pick it up if it falls over. But smaller bikes (e.g., a 125cc machine) may not have the speed, performance and ride you'll need if you plan to travel long distances.
  
  
• Consider the primary use of your bike. Don't buy a "trail" bike for highway use. Similarly, don't buy a "highway" bike if most of your riding will be off the road. Some motorcycles are built especially for trail use, with special tires and suspension. Other motorcycles have special characteristics for highway use, such as tires designed to grip pavement, and more powerful braking systems. If you have dual requirements, combination cycles are available that make a compromise between road and trail riding.

The safe operation of a motorcycle requires different skill and knowledge than is needed for a passenger car.

Never ride without a certified motorcycle helmet and eye protection.

Insist on a helmet that has a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) label.

Read your owner's manual thoroughly.

Use it to get familiar with your motorcycle. Attend a motorcycle rider-training course. It is the best way to learn how to operate a motorcycle safely and skillfully. Rider- training classes provide unique knowledge and skills that you may not learn if a friend teaches you how to ride.

For the location of an MSF approved rider-training course, call toll free, (800) 446-9227.

Wear the right shoes, gloves and clothing.

Thick, protective garb not only provides comfort against the elements, but also may be all there is between you and the pavement in a crash.

After completing a motorcycle
training course, practice
before going out on the street.

Depending on what type of
bike you have, find an off-
highway area or vacant parking
lot and practice until use of
all controls becomes automatic
and you become thoroughly
accustomed to requirements for
balance, making turns, stopping,
and shifting.

Gloves:
Durable gloves are recommended. They should be of the non-slip type to permit a firm grip on the controls. Leather gloves are excellent, as are special fabric gloves with leather palms and grip strips on the fingers. Gauntlet-type gloves keep air out of the rider's sleeves. Appropriate gloves are available for all types of weather.

Footwear:
Proper footwear affords protection for the feet, ankles, and lower parts of the legs. Leather boots are best. Durable athletic shoes that cover the ankles are a good second choice. Sandals, sneakers, and similar footwear should not be used since they provide little protection from abrasion or a crushing impact. Avoid dangling laces that can get in the way.

Note: Upper body clothing should be brightly colored. Some riders wear lightweight reflective orange or yellow vests over their jackets. Retro-reflective material used on clothing, helmet, and the motorcycle helps to make the rider visible to other motorists, especially at night. A high percentage of car-vehicle crashes occur because the driver of the other vehicle "failed to see the rider in time to avoid the crash."

Follow these rules:

• Treat other motorists with courtesy
  and respect.
  
• Avoid tailgating.
  
• Avoid riding between lanes of slow
  moving or stopped traffic.
  
• Know and obey traffic laws, including
  ordinances in your community.
  
• Avoid excessive noise by leaving
  the stock muffler in place or
  using a muffler of equivalent noise reduction.
  
• Use signals when appropriate.

Be Courteous:

The practices of some riders
are offensive to other motorists
(e.g., weaving in and out
of stalled traffic, riding on
shoulders). Being inconsiderate
of other motorists creates a
negative image for all riders,
and can cause crashes.

Drive Defensively:

• Be especially alert at intersections because approximately 70 percent of motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur there! Watch for vehicles that may unexpectedly turn in front of you or pull out from a side street or driveway. At intersections where vision is limited by shrubbery, parked vehicles, or buildings, slow down, make doubly sure of traffic, and be prepared to react quickly.
• Check the rearview mirrors before changing lanes or stopping. A quick stop without checking rear traffic may result in a rear-end crash. When changing lanes, use signals and make a visual check to assure that you can change lanes safely.
  
  
• Watch the road surface and traffic ahead to anticipate problems and road hazards. Road hazards that are minor irritations for an automobile can be a major hazard for a rider. Hazards include potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris or other objects on the roadway, ruts, uneven pavement, and railroad tracks. Painted roadway markings and manhole covers can be extremely slippery when wet. Go around most hazards. To do so safely, you must be able to spot such hazards from a distance. Slow down before reaching the obstacle and make sure you have enough room before changing direction. Railroad tracks should be crossed at an angle as close to 90 degrees as possible.
  
  
• Experienced motorcyclists often have this advice for new riders: "Assume that you are invisible to other motorists and operate your motorcycle accordingly." Position yourself to be seen. Ride in the portion of the lane where it is most likely that you will be seen by other motorists. Avoid the car's "No Zone" (i.e., blind spot). Use your headlights, day and night. All motor vehicles have blind spots where other vehicles cannot be seen with mirrors.

These blind spots are to the left and right rear of the vehicle. Do not linger in motorists' blind spot. Wear brightly colored, preferably fluorescent, clothing. Use retro-reflective materials on clothing and motorcycle, especially at night.

Maintain a safe speed consistent with driving conditions and your capabilities. Gravel on the road and slippery road surfaces can be hazardous. Avoid sudden braking or turning.

When riding in the rain, riders find they get better traction by driving in the tracks of vehicles in front of them. But avoid following too closely, and riding on painted lines and metal surfaces such as manhole covers because they offer less traction. If caught in a sudden shower while riding, pull off the highway under some shelter (e.g., overpass) and wait for the rain to stop. If you must ride in the rain, remember that conditions are most dangerous during the first few minutes of rainfall because of oil and other automobile droppings on the roadway. If possible, sit out the beginning of a rain shower.

Don't tailgate, and don't let other drivers tailgate you. Following too closely behind another vehicle may make it difficult for you to brake suddenly. Further, you won't have time to avoid road hazards and traffic situations ahead. If another vehicle is following too closely, wave it off with a hand signal or tap your brake pedal. If they continue to follow too closely, change lanes or pull off the road, and let them pass.

Pass only when it is safe to do so. Do not pass or ride on the shoulder. Pull over to the left third of the lane before passing and make sure that you are at a safe following distance. Use turn signals, and avoid crowding the other vehicle as you pass. Remember to make a head check before changing lanes.

Use brakes wisely. Use both brakes together. Brake firmly and progressively and bring the motorcycle upright before stopping. Remember that driving through water can adversely affect the brakes. After passing through water, look for following traffic, and when safe to do so check your brakes by applying light pressure.

Dogs can be a problem for riders. Don't become distracted and don't kick at a dog. As you approach a dog, downshift, when you reach the dog, accelerate quickly away.

Read the owner's manual
from cover to cover.
It tells you how to operate
your motorcycle, maintain
it, and diagnose problems.

Carry the owner's manual and
recommended tools and spare
parts on your motorcycle.
Adhere closely to the manufac-
turer's recommended maintenance
schedule. Before each day's riding,
perform a visual and operational
check of the motorcycle and its
operating systems. Check lights, turn
signals, tires, brakes, fuel and oil levels,
mirrors, and control cables. Replace broken,
worn or frayed cables at once. Lubricate
and adjust your chain as prescribed in
your owner's manual.

Riders must ride aware, know their
limits and ride within them. They must also
be aware of and understand their
motorcycle's limitations and the
environment in which they ride.