Motorcycle Safety
Warmer weather means more motorcycles on the road, and Sgt. Eaton wants to remind everyone on some very important safety tips in this week’s #TrafficTipTuesday!
“In the past few weeks Harford County has seen an increase in motorcycle crashes, so I thought this would be a good time to remind people that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We have done several #TrafficTipTuesday posts about driving safely around motorcycles so let’s take a few moments to speak to the riders out there.
One of the most important things a rider can do is take a motorcycle rider safety course. A safety course is good for teaching basic riding skills, as well as increasing a new rider’s comfort level in the saddle.
As a motorcycle rider, you should always remember motorcycles are not always easy to see. Many drivers are not actively looking for motorcycles. This makes it especially important for motorcycle riders to always obey all traffic laws. Weaving between cars, tailgating, and driving with excessive speed are all excellent ways to be severely hurt in a crash.
Everything you do BEFORE the ride is just as important as the ride itself. Be sure you are wearing proper gear to include boots and a DOT approved helmet. Shorts, t-shirts, and open toed shoes do nothing to protect you in a crash. A pre-ride inspection of your motorcycle is vital to help avoid mechanical failures. You will also want to check the weather on your route before heading out. The last thing you need is mother nature to sneak up on you
Finally, as much as I talk about the dangers of drinking and driving, this is ESPECIALLY dangerous on a motorcycle. Riding is a complicated skill which requires concentration and good judgement. You should never EVER get onto the motorcycle seat under the influence of alcohol (or any controlled substance for that matter). As a certified crash reconstructionist, many of the worst motorcycle crashes I have seen have involved a rider under the influence.
As always, if you have a question or concern, please leave it in the comments below. Also, if you have a specific concern with unsafe driving in your area, such as speeding, drag racing, etc., give us a call, send an email, or reach out on social media. Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely
HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org
@hcsotrafficsgt on Instagram”