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Any experienced motorcycle insurance agent will attest that riding these machines comes with considerable risk. Motorcycles are fast, nimble, and difficult to see, so you should use caution to ensure your well-being on the road. The following are some essential tips for operating a motorcycle safely.

Motorcycle Safety Suggestions

1. Drive Defensively

Motorcycles are small and agile. This makes it tempting to dart between cars, change lanes frequently to gain a few extra yards, accelerate quickly, and brake on a dime. However, this is all risky behavior. Your small size also means you are difficult for other motorists to see. To stay safe, drive defensively. Act as if other drivers will do something foolish because they very well might. Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles. Signal well in advance of turns and maneuvers. Check your blind spots frequently and avoid cruising in the blind spots of other motorists.

2. Wear Protective Gear

Motorcycle insuranceShorts leave your legs unprotected, which could result in a painful road rash if you fall off your bike. Always wear long pants or leather chaps. You should also wear a motorcycle jacket, leather gloves, and protective footwear. Most importantly, always wear a helmet. North Carolina requires all motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear helmets approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) with a thick inner liner of polystyrene foam. The helmet must also have a DOT sticker on the back and a manufacturer's label inside to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.

3. Never Ride While Sleepy or Intoxicated

If you are feeling drowsy, pull over and get a cup of coffee or caffeinated soda until you feel more awake. Never operate a vehicle after ingesting alcohol or drugs. Intoxication slows your reflexes and blurs your vision, putting you and everyone on the road at risk. Wait at least one hour for every drink you consume before operating your motorcycle, starting the timer after you finish your last alcoholic beverage. A drunk driving arrest will land you in jail, cost hundreds of dollars in fines, and cause your motorcycle insurance rates to skyrocket, not to mention the possible damages you could cause in an accident.

 

For expert assistance designing a motorcycle insurance policy, contact A Better Choice Insurance Agency in Concord, NC.  They are an independent agency that has served clients in and around Cabarrus County for more than 25 years. In addition to motorcycle insurance, they also offer business, home, life, and auto insurance. Visit their website to reach out to them online or call (704) 782-2073 to request a free insurance quote.

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