Before You Ride A Motorcycle
Wear a Helmet
Motorcycles are fast, easy on gas and fun to drive. But if you prefer to feel the wind in your hair rather than wear a helmet, you could be risking your life or putting your brain and other parts of your body in danger. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that unhelmeted riders are three times more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and twice as likely to suffer serious head injuries compared with riders wearing helmets.
In Iowa, crash data for 2001 -2009 indicates that 24 percent of all hospitalized unhelmeted motorcyclists suffered severe traumatic brain injury. The comparable figure for helmeted riders was 0 percent. Avoid the pain, the emergency room and medical costs - wear a helmet.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Following the safety tips below will help keep you, fellow motorists and your bike safe and sound.
Always wear a helmet that fits right. Select a helmet that meets federal safety standards
- Know your bike's limits
- Stick to the speed limit
- Don't tailgate other vehicles
- Use your signals
- Be respectful of other drivers. Don't weave through traffic or drive on the shoulder
- Make sure other drivers can see you. Don't ride in blind spots, and always use your headlights
- Brake smart - use both brakes at the same time, slow and steady