A motorcycle provides freedom but lacks safety compared to a car. Riders should always wear certified helmets that are securely fastened to avoid head injuries in the event of an accident. Proper use of brakes and mirrors, as well as following road safety tips like wearing bright clothing and scanning ahead, can help riders anticipate hazards and be visible to others on the road. While agile, motorcycles do not protect riders like cars, so safety precautions are important.

2. A MOTORCYCLE IS: Agile, Fuel efficient, Provides a sense of freedom, but… NOT VERY SAFE

3. What can we do to protect ourselves? ALWAYS WEAR SAFE HELMETS; AND BUCKLED PROPERLY

4. Certified Helmet Safety Facts The helmet is the rider’s most important protective gear. It helps to avoid 30% of all fatal injuries. It reduces by 50% the possibility of sustaining head injuries. Chin Strap - Always keep the helmet securely fastened. Otherwise, in a collision, it’s likely to fly off your head before it can protect you.

5. The importance of properly buckled helmets Example of wrong helmet use : unfastened chinstrap Example of wrong helmet use : loosely fastened chinstrap Helmets not buckled properly are as good as not wearing a helmet. When a crash happens, the helmet will fly off and leave your head unprotected.

6. Make yourself visible to others Drivers sometimes have difficulty spotting motorcycles. A black riding outfit is not advisable. Brightly colored garments and helmets with retro-reflective strips make you more visible. If your motorcycle is not equipped with DRL (Daytime Running Lights), remember to turn your headlight on even during the day.

7. One out of three multi-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle occurs while the car driver is turning/cornering. Riders must be especially alert in areas with limited visibility. Visually “busy” surroundings and tall vehicles (e.g. buses) can hide a motorcycle from others. Motorcyclists must remain visible to other motorists at all times. Don't ride in a car's “blind spot”

8. Permanently scan ahead Anticipation = Riding Safety Visually scan your path of travel (at least 12 seconds ahead), recognize potential hazards and devote extra attention to them without ignoring the rest of the scene. Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles to ensure you have: Time to react Space to maneuver

9. Effective Braking Technique The most effective way to bring your motorcycle to a stop is to use the front and rear brakes together. Use both brakes every time you slow down or stop. Approximately 70 - 80% of your braking power is situated on the front brake. But remember, locking one or both wheels is one of the most common causes of skidding.

10. Adjust your mirrors 90% of the information is received and processed via our vision. Adequately controlling the spaces located ahead, beside and behind your vehicle is therefore essential.

11. Before changing lanes - signal your intentions and make a visual check to assure that you can change lanes safely. Check your mirrors before changing lanes or stopping. A quick stop without checking rear traffic may result in a rear-end crash. Scan mirrors regularly

12. ROADSIDE SAFETY If you need to stop on the road shoulder, move your vehicle as far away from the traffic lane as possible and stay cautious. Also, if you need to push your motorcycle on the road shoulder, do so while facing oncoming traffic. If you need to pull off the road for any reason, remember: The road shoulder is NOT a safe place. Look for a safe area such as a rest stop or service station.

13. BEAR IN MIND: Agility and the ability to quickly swerve only yield partial results, mainly because the vehicle does not protect the rider. A car is designed with “crumple zones” to absorb crash impact. On a motorcycle, the rider IS the “crumple zone”…