Whether you’re taking your Harley and heading across country, or just hitting the Great River Road in Illinois, we want you to be safe on the roads this summer. Here are a few top tips:
No one’s too old to wear a helmet
A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is forty percent more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider with a helmet. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study reports that “helmets saved 1,658 motorcyclists’ lives in 2006, and that 752 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.” Buy a full-face helmet for the best protection for your head and eyes. Wear other protective gear as well: heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants and jacket, and over-the-ankle leather boots.
In a crash, the SUV wins
When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually because the driver of the car failed to see the cyclist. With more SUVs on the road, it’s even more critical to take extra steps to become more visible. Use your headlamps—both night and day—and wear yellow, red or orange jackets to make yourself easy to see. Make a point of positioning yourself in your lane for visibility.
For drivers? Be extra cautious during cycling season, and double check when switching lanes. The popular bumper stickers have a point: “Watch out for motorcyclists!”
Training saves
One out of four motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2006 were driving with invalid licenses. Safeco offers discounts to riders who attend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s safe riding courses or are active in one of 10 approved groups that promote safe riding. Do both those things and you can reduce your premium.
New Gear? Update your policy
Some companies offer special coverage for custom parts and equipment—but you have to make sure each piece of equipment is listed on your policy. Any time you buy new leathers or safety equipment or customize your bike, call your independent insurance agent at O’Connor Insurance before you head out on the highway.
