http://www.ntsi.com/ | Motorcycle fatalities due to accidents increased 9 percent between 2011 and 2012. Learning to share the road, not only as a motorcyclist but as your average driver, is an important responsibility that takes special training. Often motorcyclists can go unnoticed, so being an engaged, aware driver is a important skill. NTSI offers online defensive driving courses that can help you stay safe on the road.

1. Sharing The
Road:
A Safety Guide
For Motorcycle
Riders

2. More and more people are taking to the
roads on motorcycles, but unfortunately that
increase is accompanied by a rise in
motorcycle fatalities.
Over the past 14 years, motorcycle fatalities
have more than doubled. In the same time
period, total traffic fatalities have declined by
nearly a quarter.
Taking commonsense safety precautions can
help reduce your chance of being in a
motorcycle accident and increase your
chances of surviving an accident.
Motorcyclists should take the time to learn
about how they can safely enjoy the freedom
and excitement offered by motorcycles.
More Riders, More
Fatalities

3. Motorcycle fatalities increased by 9
percent between 2011 and 2012.
About 5,000 people were killed in
motorcycle accidents last year.
The number of non-fatal motorcycle
injuries treated in emergency rooms
grew from 120,000 to 175,000
between 2001 and 2008.
The most common nonfatal
motorcycle injuries were leg or foot
injuries (30 percent) or head and
neck injuries (22 percent).
Average cost of a fatal motorcycle
accident: $1.2 million. Average costs
for non-fatal accidents range from
$2,500 to $1.4 million.

4. National traffic safety organizations suggest the following strategies to
improve motorcycle safety:
• Boosting helmet use and proper
training and licensing of
motorcycle operators.
• Increasing speed enforcement.
• Encouraging automobile drivers
to properly share the road with
motorcyclists.

5. • Head-on collisions with other
vehicles.
• Being struck by automobiles
making left turns.
• Lane splitting by motorcyclists.
• Speeding.
• Alcohol-related crashes.
Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

6. 1. Take a motorcycle safety course.
Even if your state doesn’t require
safety courses, find one anyway.
The course will help you
understand traffic laws and how to
be a safer biker.
2. Invest in proper safety gear. Buy
a helmet, of course, but don’t
neglect other proper riding gear like
jackets, legwear, and appropriate
foot gear.
Eight Tips For Improving Motorcycle Safety

7. 3. Avoid following too close. Be
sure there’s enough space between
you and drivers in front of you for
you to stop.
4. Avoid driving while intoxicated.
This should go without saying, but
we’re saying it anyway. Driving while
under the influence of alcohol or
other substances greatly reduces
your reaction time and coordination.
This can be especially deadly on
motorcycles.

8. 5. Ride within your ability. Take
the time to build your skill in
riding a motorcycle and avoid
dangerous habits like weaving in
and out of traffic, travelling fast
down winding roads, and
travelling at excessive speeds.
6. Avoid distracted driving. Keep
your eyes off your cell phone and
keep both hands on the
handlebars.

9. 7. Educate motorcycle passengers.
Make sure that you’re comfortable
with having passengers on your
bike. Also be sure to have them
wear proper safety gear and inform
them of how they should sit on the
bike.
8. Wear a helmet. It’s worth
repeating twice. Motorcycle helmets
are your best defense against
traumatic injury.

10. NTSI has provided driver training to
millions of individuals over the past
40 years. Our company can help
new drivers learn the rules of the
road and provide training to
employees of companies involved
in transportation. Our company
stresses on-the-road safety and
compliance with the law and best
safety practices. To learn more,
visit https://ntsi.com/ or call (866)
346-3283.
About The National Traffic Safety Institute