| Almost everything we do in life involves some | | | | plenty of time to stop if this should happen. If |
| level of risk, and riding a motorcycle is no | | | | someone is tailgating you, it's probably a good idea |
| exception. If going for a ride on your bike is one | | | | to simply give him or her some room and let |
| of your favorite pleasures, there is no reason to | | | | them pass. |
| give it up just because there's a chance you | | | | 5. Follow all local laws Just like people behind the |
| might get hurt. What is important is to learn how | | | | wheels of cars and trucks, those who ride |
| to protect yourself so you can greatly reduce the | | | | motorcycles should follow all applicable laws to |
| chances of injuries in a motorcycle accident. Here | | | | minimize the chances of accident and injury. That |
| are six things you can do to protect yourself. | | | | means staying within the speed limit and following |
| | | | all posted signs. |
| 1. Wear personal protective equipment In a crash, | | | | 6. Use common sense When you're out on the |
| there are no seatbelts, airbags or metal frames | | | | road, trust your instincts and use common sense. |
| to protect you. The only barrier between you and | | | | This will go a long way in helping you avoid an |
| the road is your personal protective equipment. | | | | accident and preventing injuries. Only drive at night |
| Always wear an approved helmet with a full-face | | | | if you feel comfortable doing so, and avoid driving |
| shield that can protect against head trauma and | | | | when the roads are wet or icy. Pull over if you |
| disfigurement in a crash. Gloves, a jacket, pants | | | | are driving a long distance and begin to feel |
| and boots made from durable materials like | | | | drowsy or unfocused. Also, make sure other |
| leather can protect you from painful road rash-a | | | | drivers can see you by wearing a reflective vest |
| common motorcycle accident injury. | | | | and keeping your headlights on whether you are |
| 2. Get the proper training Legally, in Washington | | | | driving during the afternoon or evening. |
| State you must pass a motorcycle knowledge | | | | Ultimately, when you're out on your bike, you can |
| test and a motorcycle riding test before putting a | | | | only control your own actions. Even if you are |
| bike on the road. While you're preparing to | | | | operating your motorcycle in a safe and |
| become a legal rider, it's also a good idea to enroll | | | | responsible manner, there is no guarantee that |
| in safety and/or training programs to learn all you | | | | other motorists will practice the same level of |
| can. | | | | diligence. Every year, many individuals in |
| 3. Always ride sober Alcohol and drugs can impair | | | | Washington State are injured in motorcycle |
| your judgment and your coordination, which | | | | accidents through no fault of their own. They are |
| makes it impossible to stay in full control of your | | | | forced to seek medical care and may have to |
| motorcycle. Never hop on your bike if you've | | | | deal with disability, disfigurement and emotional |
| been drinking or taking drugs. | | | | scars for the rest of their lives. At least with the |
| 4. Keep your distance You never know when the | | | | above six tips; you can make sure that you have |
| driver in front of you might have to slam on his | | | | done everything within your power to remain |
| brakes, which is why it's important to follow other | | | | safe. |
| vehicles at a safe distance. You want to have | | | | |