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Safety Tips |
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Be
prepared
for the 2011 spring riding season |
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Take some
time to reacquaint yourself with your bike. Practice
basic techniques such as braking, shifting, turning and
swerving in an empty parking lot or other safe area
before going on the road.
Remember at this time of the year there may be large
amounts of sand on the road left over from winter.
Potholes can be extremely dangerous to a motorcycle and
are also more common in the early spring.
Also, keep in mind that animal activity often increases
in the spring.
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Protective gear serves three purposes for motorcyclists:
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comfort and
protection from the elements; |
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injury
prevention; and |
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through the
use of color or reflective material, a means for other
motorists to see the motorcyclist |
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Helmets:
This
is the most important piece of safety equipment. Safety
helmets that comply with DOT standards
(Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218)
save lives by preventing or reducing the extent of head
injuries in the event of a crash. |
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Eye
Protection:
Since
many motorcyclists don't have windshields, riders must
protect their eyes against insects, dirt, rocks, or
other airborne matter. Even the wind can cause the eyes
to tear and blur vision, and good vision is imperative
when riding. Choose good-quality goggles, glasses with
plastic or safety lenses, or a helmet equipped with a
face shield. |
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Jackets and Trousers:
Jackets should have long sleeves and be made of
heavy-weight, durable material like leather or denim.
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Gloves:
Durable gloves should be a non-slip type to permit a
firm grip on the controls. |
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Footwear:
Proper
over-the-ankle footwear should be worn. |
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Never mix motorcycles and alcohol. |
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Alcohol
affects those skills essential to operate a motorcycle –
balance and coordination. Simply put: Alcohol and
motorcycling are a
deadly
combination. |
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Make
sure that your motorcycle is road-ready.
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Check your
tire pressures to make sure that they are set correctly.
You should also inspect your motorcycle for loose
chains, and make sure that the clutch, brake and other
control positions are set correctly. |
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Consider taking an experienced rider course. |
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This
is a safe way to hone your rider skills and to learn more
about safely interacting in different traffic situations.
(You may also get a discount on your insurance!) Contact
the Safety
Officer
for more
information. |
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