DOT HS 807 709 

Revised December 2007 MOTORCYCLE
 

SAFETY
 
 

 

 

 

 

How safe is motorcycling? 

How does it compare to driving 

an automobile? 

Are there any special precautions 

to be observed? 

What are the causes of motorcycle 

crashes and how can crashes be 

reduced?

HOW SAFE 

IS A 

MOTORCYCLE? 

This booklet gives answers to these 

questions. It points out the risks involved 

in motorcycling. It provides safety tips 

and discusses protective clothing, defensive driving, inspection and maintenance, 

and proper reaction to hazardous conditions – all of which have a major impact 

on motorcycle safety on our streets and 

highways. 

This booklet briefly discusses skills 

training and licensing. Additional information on skills training is available from 

the Motorcycle Safety Foundation using 

the telephone number on page 6. 

 BACKGROUND: 

There are over 6.2 million motorcycles registered 

in the United States. The popularity of this mode of 

transportation is attributed to the low initial cost of 

a motorcycle, its use as a pleasure vehicle, and, for 

some models, the good fuel efficiency. 

Motorcycle fatalities represent approximately 

11 percent of all highway fatalities each year, yet 

motorcycles represent approximately 3 percent of 

all registered vehicles in the United States. One of 

the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes 

is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no 

protection in a crash. For example, approximately 

80 percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in 

injury or death; a comparable figure for automobiles 

is about 20 percent. 

An automobile has more weight and bulk than a 

motorcycle. It has door beams and a roof to provide 

some measure of protection from impact or rollover. 

It has cushioning and airbags to soften impact and 

seat belts to hold passengers in their seats. It has 

windshield washers and wipers to assist visibility in 

the rain and snow. An automobile has more stability 

because it’s on four wheels, and because of its 

size, it is easier to see. A motorcycle suffers in 

comparison when considering vehicle characteristics that directly contribute to occupant safety. What 

a motorcycle sacrifices in weight, bulk, and other 

crashworthiness characteristics is somewhat offset by 

its agility, maneuverability, ability to stop quickly, and 

ability to swerve quickly when necessary. 
 A motorcyclist 

should attend a 

motorcycle rider-training course to learn how 

to safely and skillfully 

operate a motorcycle. 

A motorcyclist has to 

be more careful and 

aware at intersections, 

where most motorcyclevehicle collisions occur. 

Motorcyclists must 

remain visible to other motorists at all times. Don’t 

ride in a car’s “No Zone” (blind spot). Anticipate 

what may happen more than other vehicle drivers 

may. For example, anticipate that drivers backing 

their cars out of driveways may not see you; and 

place greater emphasis on defensive driving. 

Motorcyclists also must be more cautious when 

riding in inclement weather, on slippery surfaces, 

or when encountering obstacles on the roadway. 

They must place greater reliance on their helmets, 

eye protection, and clothing to increase riding 

CAUSES OF 

MOTORCYCLE 

CRASHES: 

Many motorcycle crashes can be 

attributed to:
 

• lack of basic riding skills 

• failure to appreciate the inherent 


operating characteristics 


• failure to appreciate the 

limitations of the motorcycle
 

• failure to use special 

precautions while riding
 

• failure to use defensive 

driving techniques
 

• lack of specific braking and 

cornering skills
 

• failure to follow speed limits 

comfort and to reduce the severity of injury should 

they become involved in a crash. 

Approximately half of all fatal single-vehicle 

motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. A motorcycle 

requires more skill and coordination to operate 

than a car. Riding a motorcycle while under the 

influence of any amount of alcohol significantly 

decreases an operator’s ability to operate the 

motorcycle safely. 

On average, 25 percent of motorcycle 

operators killed in traffic crashes are not licensed 

or are improperly licensed to operate a motorcycle. 

By not obtaining a 

motorcycle operator 

license, riders are 

bypassing the only 

method they and 

State licensing agencies have to ensure 

they have the knowledge and skill needed 

to safely and skillfully 

operate a motorcycle. 
A motorcycle should be selected for 

a comfortable fit and functional 

requirements. 

• Select a motorcycle that fits. 

A motorcyclist should be able to 

touch the ground with both feet 

when astride the vehicle. 

• If you will be carrying a passenger, 

make sure the motorcycle you select 

has a passenger seat as well as footrests 

(footpegs) for the passenger. 

• Check the location of the controls. Make 

sure you can reach and operate them 

easily and comfortably. 

BUYING THE 

RIGHT 

MOTORCYCLE: 

Functional Requirements: 

• Buy the power you need, but only as much 

as you can handle safely. Large motorcycles are 

heavy, and you must be strong enough to push 

it, or pick it up if it falls over. But smaller bikes 

(e.g., a 125cc machine) may not have the speed, 

performance, and ride you’ll need if you plan to 

travel long distances. 

• Consider the primary use of your bike. Don’t 

buy a “trail” bike for highway use. Similarly, don’t 

buy a “highway” bike if most of your riding will 

be off the road. Some motorcycles are built especially for trail use, with special tires and suspension. Other motorcycles have special characteristics for highway use, such as tires designed to grip 

pavement, and more powerful braking systems. If 

you have dual requirements, combination cycles 

are available that make a compromise between 

road and trail riding. 

AFTER YOU BUY, BUT 

BEFORE YOU RIDE 

The safe operation of a motorcycle requires 

different skill and knowledge than is needed for 

a passenger car. 

Never ride without a certified 

motorcycle helmet and eye protection. 

Insist on a helmet that has a U.S. Department 

of Transportation (DOT) label. 

Read your owner’s manual thoroughly. 

Use it to get familiar with your motorcycle. 

Attend a motorcycle rider-training course. 

It is the best way to learn how to operate a 

motorcycle safely and skillfully. Rider-training classes 

provide unique knowledge and skills that you may 

not learn if a friend teaches you how to ride. 

For the location of an MSF-approved 

rider-training course, call toll free, 800-446-9227. 

Wear the right shoes, gloves, and clothing. 

Thick, protective garb not only provides comfort 

against the elements, but also may be all there is 

between you and the pavement in a crash. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After completing a motorcycle training 

course, practice before going out on 

the street. 

Depending on what type of bike you 

have, find an off-highway area or 

vacant parking lot and practice until use 

of all controls becomes automatic and 

you become thoroughly accustomed to 

requirements for balance, making turns, 

stopping, and shifting. 

BEFORE RIDING 

IN THE STREET 

• Remember that a motorcyclist must abide 

by the same traffic rules and regulations as other 

motorists. Before tak

-

ing your motorcycle on 

a public road, become 

familiar with traffic rules 

and regulations and any 

special requirements for 

motorcycles. • Be aware that riding 

with a passenger requires 

even more skill than 

riding alone. Riding with 

a passenger should be 

delayed until you have 

considerable solo riding 

time and are ready to 

take on the responsibility 

of carrying a passenger. 

DRIVERS LICENSE 

• Obtain your learner’s permit or motorcycle 

endorsement on your driver’s license before you 

venture onto the streets. You will be required 

to display the knowledge and skill needed to 

operate a motorcycle safely before being issued 

a motorcycle operator’s license. 

Never drink and ride. 

 Alcohol slows reflexes and greatly limits your 

ability to operate a motorcycle. Even a very small 

amount of alcohol can reduce your ability to operate 

a motorcycle safely. 

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT: 

Studies show that the head, arms, and legs are 

most often injured in a crash. 

Protective clothing and equipment serve a 

three-fold purpose for motorcyclists: comfort and 

protection from the elements; some measure of 

injury protection; and through use of color or 

reflective material, a means for other motorists 

to see the motorcyclist. 

Helmet: 

This is the most important piece of equipment. 

Safety helmets save lives by reducing the extent 

of head injuries in the event of a crash. Many good 

helmets are available. Make sure it fits comfortably 

and snugly, and is fastened for the ride. In choosing 

a helmet look for the DOT label on the helmet. The 

DOT label on helmets constitutes the manufacturer’s 

certification that the helmet conforms to the Federal 

standard. In many States, use of a helmet is required 

by law. Passengers should also wear helmets. 
A consumer information brochure on how to 

choose and care for a motorcycle helmet is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 

NTI-121, Washington, DC 20590. 

Eye Protection: 

Since many motorcycles don’t have windshields, 

riders must protect their eyes against insects, dirt, 

rocks, or other airborne matter. Even the wind can 

cause the eyes to tear and blur vision, and good 

vision is imperative when riding. 

Choose good quality goggles, glasses with 

plastic or safety lenses, or a helmet equipped with 

a face shield. Goggles, glasses, and face shields 

should be scratch-free, shatterproof, and well ventilated to prevent fog buildup. Only clear shields 

should be used at night since tinted shields reduce 

contrast and make it more difficult to see. Even if 

your motorcycle has a windshield, eye protection 

is recommended. 

Jackets and Trousers: 

Clothing worn when riding a motorcycle 

should provide some measure of protection from 

abrasion in the event of a spill. These should be of 

durable material (e.g., special synthetic material or 

leather). Jackets should have long sleeves. Trousers 

(not shorts) should not be baggy or flared at the 

bottom to prevent entanglement with the chain, 

kick starter, footpegs, or other protrusions on the 

sides of a motorcycle. 

Gloves: 

Durable gloves are recommended. They should 

be of the non-slip type to permit a firm grip on 

the controls. Leather gloves are excellent, as are 

special fabric gloves with leather palms and grip 

strips on the fingers. Gauntlet-type gloves keep air 

out of the rider’s sleeves. Appropriate gloves are 

available for all types of weather. 

Footwear: 

Proper footwear affords protection for the feet, 

ankles, and lower parts of the legs. Leather boots 

are best. Durable athletic shoes that cover the 

ankles are a good second choice. Sandals, sneakers, and similar footwear should not be used since 

they provide little protection from abrasion or a 

crushing impact. Avoid dangling laces that can get 

in the way. 

Note: Upper body clothing should be brightly colored. Some riders wear 

lightweight reflective orange or yellow vests over their jackets. Retro-reflective 

material used on clothing, helmet, and the motorcycle helps to make the rider 

visible to other motorists, especially at night. A high percentage of car-vehicle 

crashes occur because the driver of the other vehicle failed to see the rider in 

time to avoid the crash. 
Follow these rules: • Treat other motorists with courtesy 

and respect. 

• Avoid tailgating. • Avoid riding between lanes of slow 

moving or stopped traffic. 

• Know and obey traffic laws, including 

ordinances in your community. 

• Use signals when appropriate. 

DRIVING 

TIPS 

Be Courteous: 

The practices of some riders 

are offensive to other motorists 

(e.g., weaving in and out 

of stalled traffic, riding on shoulders). 

Being inconsiderate of other motorists 

creates a negative image for all riders, 

and can cause crashes. 

Drive Defensively: • Be especially alert at intersections because 

approximately 50 percent of motorcycle-vehicle 

collisions occur there! Watch for vehicles that may 

unexpectedly turn in front of you or pull out from a 

side street or driveway. At intersections where vision is 

limited by shrubbery, parked vehicles, or buildings, 

slow down, make doubly sure of traffic, and be 

prepared to react quickly. • Check the rearview mirrors before changing 

lanes or stopping. A quick stop without checking rear 

traffic may result in a rear-end crash. When changing 

lanes, use signals and make a visual check to assure 

that you can change lanes safely. • Watch the road surface and traffic ahead to 

anticipate problems and road hazards. Road hazards 

that are minor irritations for an automobile can be a 

major hazard for a rider. Hazards include potholes, 

oil slicks, puddles, debris or other objects on the 

roadway, ruts, uneven pavement, and railroad tracks. 

Painted roadway markings and manhole covers can 

be extremely slippery when wet. 

Go around most hazards. To do so safely, you 

must be able to spot such hazards from a distance. 

Slow down before reaching the obstacle and make 

sure you have enough room before changing direc

-

tion. Railroad tracks should be crossed at an angle as 

close to 90 degrees as possible. • Experienced motorcyclists often have this advice 

for new riders: “Assume that you are invisible to other 

motorists and operate your motorcycle accordingly.” 

Position yourself to be seen. Ride in the portion of 

the lane where it is most likely that you will be seen by 

other motorists. Avoid the car’s “No Zone” (i.e., blind 

spot). 

Use your headlights, day and night. All motor 

vehicles have blind spots where other vehicles cannot 
 

be seen with mirrors. These blind spots are to the left 

and right rear of the vehicle. Do not linger in motorists’ blind spots. 

Wear brightly colored, preferably fluorescent, 

clothing. Use retro-reflective materials on clothing 

and motorcycle, especially at night. 

• Maintain a safe speed consistent with driving 

conditions and your capabilities. Gravel on the road 

and slippery road surfaces can be hazardous. 

Avoid sudden braking or turning. 

When riding in the rain, riders find they get better 

traction by driving in the tracks of vehicles in front of 

them. But avoid following too closely and riding on 

painted lines and metal surfaces such as manhole 

covers because they offer less traction. 

If caught in a sudden shower while riding, pull 

off the highway under some shelter (e.g., overpass) 

and wait for the rain to stop. If you must ride in the 

rain, remember that conditions are most dangerous 

during the first few minutes of rainfall because of oil 

and other automobile droppings on the roadway. If 

possible, sit out the beginning of a rain shower. 

Don’t tailgate, and don’t let other drivers tailgate 

you. Following too closely behind another vehicle 

may make it difficult for you to brake suddenly. Further, you won’t have time to avoid road hazards and 

traffic situations ahead. If another vehicle is following 

too closely, wave it off with a hand signal or tap your 

brake pedal. If they continue to follow too closely, 

change lanes or pull off the road, and let them pass. 

Pass only when it is safe to do so. Do not pass or 

ride on the shoulder. Pull over to the left third of the 

lane before passing and make sure that you are at a 

safe following distance. Use turn signals and avoid 

crowding the other vehicle as you pass. Remember 

to make a head check before changing lanes. 

Use brakes wisely. Use both brakes together. 

Brake firmly and progressively and bring the motorcycle upright before stopping. Remember 

that driving through water can adversely affect 

the brakes. After passing through water, look 

for following traffic, and 

when safe to do so check 

your brakes by applying 

light pressure. 

Dogs can be a problem 

for riders. Don’t become 

distracted and don’t kick at 

a dog. As you approach a 

dog, downshift, when you 

reach the dog, accelerate 

quickly away. 

Read the owner’s manual from cover 

to cover. It tells you how to operate 

your motorcycle, maintain it, and 

diagnose problems. 

PREVENTIVE 

MAINTENANCE: 

Carry the owner’s manual and recommended 

tools and spare parts on your 

motorcycle. Adhere closely 

to the manufacturer’s 

recommended 

maintenance schedule. 

Before each day’s 

riding, perform a visual and 

operational check of the motorcycle and its operating systems. 

Check lights, turn signals, tires, 

brakes, fuel and oil levels, mirrors, 

and control cables. Replace broken, 

worn, or frayed cables at once. Lubricate 

and adjust your chain as prescribed in 

your owner’s manual. 

Riders must ride aware, know their limits, and 

ride within them. They must also be aware 

of and understand their motorcycle’s limitations and the environment in 

which they ride.