As summer traffic increases with motorcycle enthusiasts, organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Motorcycle Association urge all drivers to be vigilant. Remember, unlike motorists, motorcyclists are exposed without the protection of airbags or a car frame.
If you're new to motorcycle riding, it's important to prioritize safety by gearing up. Follow these helpful tips to ensure a safe ride.
1 Wear Protective Gear
New Hampshire is one of three states without a motorcycle helmet law, along with Illinois and Iowa. Even though there are no helmet requirement laws in New Hampshire, numerous studies have shown that wearing a helmet reduces the chances of a devastating head injury or even death in the event of an accident.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the latest estimates show helmet use decreased from 69% in 2020 to 64.9% in 2021. The observed use of DOT-compliant helmets in states with universal helmet laws was significantly higher than in states with weak or no helmet laws (86.1% compared to 53.4%).
Motorcycle Helmet
According to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, “A Beginner’s Guide to Types of Motorcycle Helmets,” There are six primary types of motorcycle helmets:
Full-face
Modular
Open-face
Half Helmets
Off-road
Dual-sport
Understanding the Importance of Helmet Fit
Choosing the Right Helmet Size: Before you search for a helmet, take a complete measurement of your head, just above your eyebrows. This measurement will guide you toward the correct helmet size, ranging from extra small to extra large.
Variations Among Manufacturers: Each helmet manufacturer may have slightly different fits. Consequently, a small helmet from one brand might fit like a medium from another.
Prioritizing Proper Helmet Fitting
Trying Before Buying: Try on a helmet before purchasing it to ensure it fits properly. Different brands can lead to varying fits, reinforcing the need for physical try-on.
Adjusting the Chin Strap: When wearing the helmet, adjust the chin strap to be snug but not restrictive. The ideal fit allows only two fingers between the strap and the bottom of your chin.
Checking for Gaps: There shouldn't be any gaps between your head and the helmet, and the fit should be snug yet comfortable. Too tight of a helmet can lead to discomfort, while a loose helmet may not provide optimal protection.
Check Safety Ratings
Safety Ratings – Make sure your helmet has the DOT symbol on the outside back; this means it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218.
Beware Of Unsafe Helmets - Unsafe helmets typically have a thickness of less than 1 inch, lack a robust foam liner, and have breakable plastic buckles instead of sturdy riveted chin straps. They often weigh under a pound, unlike DOT-compliant helmets which generally weigh around 3 pounds. Beware of helmet advertising as the "thinnest" or "lightest."
Face Protection
Windshields and most prescription eyeglasses don’t provide adequate protection. Wind, insects, and stones may be blown behind a windshield. Eyeglasses lenses should be shatterproof and impact resistant.
Prescription motorcycle eyeglasses, sunglasses, and goggles.
Safety eyeglasses that are designed to be worn over your prescription glasses.
Face shields come in various designs to fit almost any helmet. A tinted shield helps avoid eye fatigue during daylight hours, but clear ones should be worn at night.
Protective Clothing
Your head isn’t the only thing you should protect while riding. Besides a helmet, the NHTSA and Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) says the proper protective apparel for a motorcyclist includes a heavy-duty jacket and long pants, boots, and gloves. Reflective clothing is also highly advised for night riding. Clothes from leather or strong materials like Cordura®, Kevlar®, or ballistic nylon can provide significant protection, according to the "Hurt Report.
2. KNOW AND IMPROVE YOUR SKILL LEVEL
Motorcycle rider training helps you learn and improve your riding skills. Take a motorcycle safety course taught by a professional. Check with your local DMV to see if they have a required course for you or if classes may be available through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. You can find a local branch or take their basic e-Course accepted by many states.
Know Your Skill Level
If you are a novice rider, there are better times to test yourself than riding on the road in the middle of traffic.
Always ride in a lane as a regular car would. Even skilled riders shouldn’t share lanes as “lane splitting” is dangerous and a common cause of accidents.
Don’t rush to take your friend on your new motorcycle. Most riders enjoy taking their friends on rides. If not careful, you can end up face-first on the pavement. The handling and dynamics of a motorcycle are different when carrying a passenger than riding alone.
Improve Your Skill Level
Practice in an empty parking lot at low speed. Learn to properly brake, shift gears, and steer the bike while gradually moving up to road speed. Better to dump your bike in an empty parking lot than on the road in the middle of traffic. Don’t expect to master any of these skills in a single day. Becoming a skilled rider takes time and practice.
PATCH & FITZGERALD
The law firm of Patch & FitzGerald focuses on Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases. If you, or anyone you know, needs assistance, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 603-647-2600 or contact us online. Always a free consultation!