Helmets, protective gear, eye protection, obeying traffic laws, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and defensive driving are among the top motorcycle safety tips provided. Following these tips can help prevent brain injuries, death, and other serious harm from motorcycle accidents. Maintaining your motorcycle and preparing for bad weather are also recommended to ride safely. Riders should contact an attorney if injured in an accident to understand legal options.

1. MOTORCYCLE
SAFETY TIPS
PROVIDED BY
THE LAW OFFICES OF VAN DORN, CURTISS & ROUSSEAU

2. TIP #1:
ALWAYS
WEAR A
HELMET
According to the IIHS, when compared to
not using protective head gear, helmets are
67% more effective at preventing brain
injury and 37% more effective at preventing
death in motorcycle accidents. In Vermont,
helmet use is mandatory if operating your
motorcycle on a highway, but in New
Hampshire, only those under the age of 18
are required to use a helmet.

3. TIP #2:
ALWAYS
USE
PROTECTIVE
GEAR
Helmets are important, but so too is
protective gear including jackets, pants,
gloves, and boots. When involved in a
motorcycle accident, all that stands
between you and the unforgiving
ground is your protective gear. This gear
can help prevent road burns and
lacerations, and may even reduce risks
for broken bones and disfigurement.

4. TIP #3:
ALWAYS
PROTECT
YOUR FACE
In Vermont, a windshield or goggles
are required while operating a
motorcycle. Eyeglasses, goggles, or
a protective face shield are required
in New Hampshire. Eye protection
helps prevent debris from entering
the eyes and reduces rapid blinking,
which is your body’s natural
response to stronger winds. Both of
these things will reduce your risk of
losing control of your motorcycle.

5. TIP #4:
WATCH YOUR
SPEED Feelingthewindonyourfaceandenjoying
theopenroadcanencouragehigher
speeds,butmotorcyclistsshouldalways
followthespeedlimit.Excessivespeeds
canimpactreactiontimeandincreasethe
riskoflosingcontrolofyourmotorcycle.

6. TIP #5:
FOLLOW
TRAFFIC
SIGNS AND
SIGNALS
When operating a motorcycle, it
is important to obey traffic signs
and signals, including stop
signs, right-of-way signals, and
hazard signs. These things exist
to protect motorists from
unnecessary risks. Failure to
adhere to the rules of the road
can easily result in a serious or
fatal motorcycle accident.

7. TIP #6:
AVOID
ALCOHOL
Even one drink can impair your ability to
operate a motorcycle. Multiple drinks
absolutely will. According to the NHTSA,
motorcyclists with a BAC of .08 are
involved in nearly 30% of all fatal
motorcycle accidents. Risks for these
accidents increases threefold at night.
Alcohol impairs judgement, reaction time,
and common sense. It should be avoided
if you are operating a motorcycle.

8. TIP #7:
AVOID DRUGS
Like alcohol, drugs impair your
ability to properly operate a
motorcycle. Marijuana, which is
currently legal for medical use in
both Vermont and New
Hampshire, is chief among the
drugs that can increase risks for
motorcycle accidents, but other
drugs, including prescription
narcotics, pose just as large a
threat. If you are operating a
motorcycle, stay sober.

9. TIP #8:
MAINTAIN
YOUR
MOTORCYCLE
Motorcycle maintenance helps prevent
accidents caused by faulty brakes and
other equipment malfunction. It also
helps ensure all signals, lights, and
gauges are in proper working order.
Frequent tune-ups at home can help
you become more familiar with the
workings of your particular machine, but
taking your motorcycle to a professional
on occasion is a good idea as well. And
don’t forget to check the NHTSA’s Vin
Look Up to see if your motorcycle has
been involved in a recall.

10. TIP #9:
PREPARE
FOR BAD
WEATHER
When possible, avoid riding in the snow or
rain, or just after precipitation. Wet roads
make maneuvering difficult and increase
risks for a loss of control. Active rain and
snow can impact vision. If riding is
unavoidable, be gentle with the brakes and
throttle to avoid slipping. When riding in
the wind, be prepared for strong gusts to
nudge you around. Give yourself room in
your lane to prevent being blown into
another vehicle.

11. TIP #10:
DRIVE
DEFENSIVELY
A majority of motorcycle accidents are
caused by the drivers of cars. This means
that motorcyclists need to be extra
vigilant. Always be aware of your
surroundings, leave plenty of space
between you and other vehicles on the
road, and do not split lanes. Paying
attention, particularly in this age of
constant driver distraction, can help
prevent your causing an accident and
give you space to avoid one from being
caused by someone else.

12. CONTACT
US
Even the safest of motorcyclists cannot
always avoid an accident. If you are injured
in a motorcycle accident or if a loved one
has been killed, please call the Orford, NH
office of Van Dorn, Curtiss & Rousseau
at (603) 353-4000 to schedule a free
consultation and learn how we can help.