Motorcycle Awareness

16 May Motorcycle Awareness

It’s finally dry enough to gear up and hit the road with your favorite vehicle, your motorcycle. You’re not the only one who’s excited about a fun road trip after the long winter. Many people are taking car rides with their families to the amusement parks or fueling up their RV in preparation for summer vacation.

ICNE, would like to remind you that the month of May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. While everyday calls for motorcycle awareness, today we bring you some extra precautions and reminders of proper safety for sharing the road.

Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

With the increase of motorcycles on the road, we want to remind all motorists to drive safely to share the road with motorcycles. Many crashes occur because motorcycles are hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 13% of all motor vehicle crash deaths (data from the IIHS-HLDI).

What Drivers Should Know About Motorcycle Riders

Drivers sometimes unintentionally fail to recognize a motorcycle before it’s too late. Take an extra couple of seconds before turning or merging to make sure that a motorcycle isn’t coming or hidden in a blind spot and always remain a safe distance behind them when following. Keep the reverse in mind when a motorcycle is following you, especially when the pavement could be slippery because it can prevent them stopping quickly. Keep in mind, motorcyclists often adjust their position in a lane to minimize the effect of road condition and debris, passing vehicles, and wind.

Tips for Motorcyclists

• Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet – Even though we know that helmets save lives and prevent brain injuries, four of seven New England states do not require helmets for all riders. The NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,630 motorcyclists in 2014. Not only should the driver wear a helmet, but always require your passengers to wear one too.
• Wear protective clothing – Leather offers good protection from road scrapes and minimizes severe injuries. Reflective clothing is also a good idea because it will make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Be an alert operator – Watch for other motorists! You can’t always prevent the unpreventable, but make sure that your eyes and ears are focused on your driving to help keep you safe. As any motorcycle driver knows, you should never assume a car sees you. You should also avoid bad weather when possible and watch for road hazards like pot holes and puddles.
• Protect yourself – Insurance for your motorcycle is essential to make sure that you are covered should an accident occur. HUB International will help you select the right protection, including specialized coverage for accessories and gear, passengers, roadside assistance, trip interruption and more.

HUB insures all types of motorcycles:

• custom cruisers
• high performance sport bikes
• collector bikes
• 3 wheel motorcycles
• Slingshots and more…

Trust HUB International for coverage that is as unique as your ride. We have built a reputation for being the helpful, local agent who will answer all your motorcycle insurance questions and find you the optimal coverage that fits your needs and budget. Contact us today at 800-243-8143 to speak to a knowledgeable insurance advisor.