The sunny skies and warmer temperatures of spring have finally arrived in Louisiana. For motorcycle enthusiasts across the state, this long-awaited change of season means one thing: it’s time to get back on the open road!
However, it’s important not to let eagerness override caution when riding a motorcycle in Louisiana this spring. In this blog post, we’ll share important safety tips for motorcyclists hitting the roads.
Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned veteran, following these simple guidelines can help ensure you have a fun yet cautious return to the open road.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Proper Riding Gear
When riding a motorcycle, wearing proper protective gear is the best way to prevent injuries in an accident. Helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, and eye protection should be worn every ride.
When choosing a helmet, only use one that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.
You can verify it meets this standard by looking for the DOT symbol on the exterior back of the helmet. Wear boots or shoes that cover your ankles. Choose bright colors and reflective materials to be as visible as possible to other motorists.
Riding Safely
Practicing safe riding skills is crucial when on a motorcycle. Maintain a safe following distance behind other vehicles, obey all traffic signals and signs, and thoroughly scan blind spots before changing lanes.
Use turn signals properly and check mirrors frequently. Consider taking a motorcycle safety course to sharpen your road skills.
Avoid distractions like mobile devices that take your eyes off the road. Avoid riding in hazardous weather when possible.
Louisiana’s long, straight roads may encourage speeding but obey posted limits and don’t give in to peer pressure when riding in groups.
Read Also: Things to Know Before Riding a Motorcycle in Louisiana
Motorcycle Maintenance
Properly maintaining your motorcycle also helps prevent issues while riding. Always check the tires, lights, fluid levels, and other components to ensure roadworthiness before hitting the streets.
Look for signs of wear and damage while making sure everything is working properly. Catching even minor problems early, like low tire pressure or a fraying brake line, allows you to address them before they turn into safety hazards on the road. Take your bike in for routine tune-ups as well.
Ride Sober
Consuming alcohol or drugs before getting on your motorcycle is extremely dangerous. Both substances negatively affect judgment, coordination, balance, throttle control, and shifting abilities – all vital for safe riding. Even small amounts of alcohol can dramatically slow reaction times, blur vision, and inhibit distance judgment.
As tempting as it may be to continue your fun from the bar out onto the open roads, opt for an alternate way home, like rideshare services. Don’t risk your safety by riding under the influence.
Many medications also cause side effects like drowsiness that don’t mix well with operating a bike.
Ensure Adequate Coverage
Taking the time to review your insurance coverage is a critical safety preparation before riding your motorcycle this spring.
Louisiana roads pose unique hazards for bikers, and accidents can happen even with the most careful riders. Ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage in place helps provide vital financial protection if the unexpected occurs.
Sit down with an insurance agent to discuss your coverage options and needs. Policies like bodily injury liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage help pay for injuries in an accident. Comprehensive and collision coverage also pays for damage to your motorcycle from incidents like theft, vandalism, or accidents.
Read Also: 5 Factors That Can Affect Your Motorcycle Insurance Rates
At TSL, we offer motorcycle insurance policies at all of our insurance agency offices located in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Franklin, Lutcher, and Abbeville. Our Risk Advisors have years of experience finding the right coverage at competitive rates for Louisiana motorcycle insurance.
Contact us to get your free quote!
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