Keep Safety In Mind When Buying A Motorcycle

A release from Stoneham Safety Officer Joseph Ponzo:

There are over 4 million motorcycles registered in the United States each year. The popularity of
this mode of transportation is attributed to the low initial cost of a motorcycle, its use as a
pleasure vehicle and for some models, the good fuel efficiency.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 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. An automobile has more weight and bulk than a motorcycle and it has door beams and a roof to provide some measure of protection from impact or rollover. It has airbags to soften the impact and safety belts to hold passengers in their seats. 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. But this doesn’t mean that both the motorcyclist and the driver of a motor vehicle should not take precautions during the motorcycle season.

I have researched a few tips for both the motorcyclist and the other drivers of the road.

First of all for the motorcyclist should buy the size motorcycle that 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. Consider the primary use of your bike. Don’t by a “trail” bike for highway use. If affordable, try and attend a motorcycle safety course. These courses are available locally and usually last for a
weekend. At the end of these courses, these schools will give you your motorcycle license and
you are usually eligible for a discount on your comprehensive insurance policy. Try and
familiarize yourself with the owner’s manual of the bike, for it is filled with good tips and
educational material about the bike. Wear the right shoes, gloves and clothing when riding. Thick,
protective gear not only provides comfort against the elements, but also may be all there is
between you and the pavement in a crash. A D.O.T. helmet is a must and is the law in
Massachusetts. Remember that a motorcyclist must abide by the same traffic rules and
regulations and any special requirements for motorcycles.

For the operators of all other motor vehicles, remember to always 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. Watch the road surface
and traffic ahead to anticipate problems and road hazards.

With these few safety tips in mind, maybe we can reduce the number and percentage of
motorcycle vs. motor vehicle crashes in the United States.

Remember Safety First!