According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motorcycle fatalities increased for the fifth year in a row. Operating a motorcycle takes different skills than driving a car; however, the laws of the road apply to every driver just the same. A combination of consistent education, regard for traffic laws and basic common sense can go a long way in helping reduce the amount of fatalities involved in motorcycle accidents on a yearly basis.

Here is a checklist that every motorcycle rider should follow:

   • Always wear a helmet with a face shield or protective eyewear — Wearing a helmet is the best way to      protect against severe head injuries. A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is five times more likely to      sustain a critical head injury.

   • Wear appropriate gear — Make sure to wear protective gear and clothing that will minimize the amount      of injuries in case of an accident or a skid. Wearing leather clothing, boots with nonskid soles, and gloves      can protect your body from severe injuries. Consider attaching reflective tape to your clothing to make it      easier for    other drivers to see you.

   • Follow traffic rules — Obey the speed limit; the faster you go the longer it will take you to stop. Be
     awareof local traffic laws and rules of the road.

   • Ride defensively — Don’t assume that a driver can see you, as nearly two-thirds of all motorcycle      accidents are caused by a driver violating a rider’s right of way. You should always ride with your      headlights on; watch for turning vehicles; stay out of a driver’s blind spot; signal well in advance of any      change in direction; and watch for turning vehicles.

   • Keep your riding skills honed through education — According to stated statistics, more than 90% of      riders involved in accidents have no formal training, and nearly half of these riders are unlicensed or      improperly licensed. Complete a formal riding education program, get licensed and take riding courses
     from time to time to develop riding techniques and to sharpen your street-riding strategies.

   • Be awake and ride sober — More than half of all motorcycle fatalities occur when the rider has been      drinking. Don’t drink and ride, you could cause harm to yourself and others. Additionally, fatigue and      drowsiness can impair your ability to react, so make sure that you are well rested when you hit the road.