Top safety tips for motorcyclists

These safety tips are provided by Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Richmond Ambulance Authority & Rider Alert Program:

• Learn to negotiate curves.  Slow down before entering a curve.  Make sure you can see through the curve (you will go where your eyes are looking!).  Slightly accelerate coming out of the curve (do not accelerate too quickly).

• Check your motorcycle before riding.  Check your tires for wear and proper air pressure.  Check your brakes and the motorcycle overall.

• Riders should make sure they are ready to ride as well.  Make sure you have not used prescription drugs that could alter your ability to react.  Do not use alcohol before or while riding and make sure you have adequate sleep before driving any motorized vehicle.

• Make yourself visible. Choose protective gear that provides visibility and protection. This includes wearing bright colors. If riding at night, wear clothing with reflective materials.

• Allow space. Position your bike in the lane so that you can be seen. Allow additional space for emergency braking and room to maneuver. Avoid riding in a motorist’s blind spot. Make lane changes gradually and use appropriate signaling.

• Never share a lane beside a car. A driver may be unaware of your presence. Most drivers are looking for larger vehicles, not motorcycles.

• Clearly signal your intentions. Use turn signals before changing lanes and never weave between lanes.

• Don’t speed. Obey the posted limits and adjust your speed to the changing road conditions.

• Wear protective gear.
**Helmet – Always wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet. It can save your life and it is the law in Virginia.
**Eye protection – Visibility is key to riding safely. Many motorcycles do not have windshields. Riders should protect their eyes with goggles that can shield the face from wind and debris, both of which can cause tearing and blurred vision.
**Body Protection – Jackets with long sleeves and trousers protect limbs from injury.
**Gloves – Durable gloves should be a non-slip type to permit a firm grip on controls.
**Footwear – Proper over-the-ankles footwear should be worn to help prevent injuries.

• Complete a motorcycle rider education and training course. Many motorcyclists have had no formal training – they are self-taught or learned from family and friends. Before operating a motorcycle in Virginia, a rider must pass the motorcycle knowledge exam, hold a motorcycle learner’s permit for 30 days and pass the motorcycle road skills test. Completing a Virginia Rider Training Course exempts the rider from taking the exams.

Motorcycle Theft Prevention Tips
In addition to keeping bikes and riders safe on the road, motorcycle and scooter owners also need to make their motorcycle or scooter difficult to steal. To make your motorcycle a tough target, the Virginia State Police H.E.A.T. Program recommends using the four-layered approach to protection.

1. Common Sense

• Lock your motorcycle and don’t leave the key in the ignition or the motor running.

• Store your motorcycle in your home, apartment or garage or lock your motorcycle to a fixed, immovable object.

• Don’t lock your motorcycle in the same location all the time; lock motorcycles being transported on trailers or the back of truck beds; and always secure accessories and components.

2. Make use of high-security locks along with visible and audible deterrents,

3. Use an immobilizer,

4. A GPS recovery system is suggested.

You can also earn up to $25,000 for motorcycle theft tips by calling 1-800-947-HEAT (4328) or going to http://www.HeatReward.com When .you contact H.E.A.T. you can remain anonymous and you do not have to testify in court. If your tip leads to an arrest for a motorcycle or other vehicle theft-related crime, you could be eligible for a reward.