Mastando & Artrip LLC

(256) 532-2222 or (800) 434-7195

  • About
    • News
  • Attorneys
    • Eric Artrip
    • Tony Mastando
    • Teri Mastando
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
      • Car Accidents
      • Nursing Home Litigation
      • Motorcycle Accidents
      • Slip and Fall
      • Truck Accidents
      • Wrongful Death
    • Workplace Litigation
      • Whistleblower Rewards and Protection
      • Employment Law
        • Unfair Compensation & Unpaid Wages
      • Commercial Litigation
      • Business Contracts
      • Media Law
      • Government Contracting
    • Complex Litigation
    • Class Action
    • Real Estate
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
Home » Motorcycle Law » Motorcycle Safety Tips

July 8, 2014 By Tony Mastando

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Motorcycle Safety TipsMotorcycle Safety Tips That Can Save Your Life

They say that there are only two kinds of motorcycle riders – “those that have been down, and those that are going down.” Ouch. While I don’t believe that adage, it’s a cautionary quip worth paying attention to.

I have been an avid motorcycle rider since 1986 when I bought a my first bike, a used Kawasaki 454 LTD.  I’ve had a handful of bikes and a scrape or two since, but the little LTD cruiser will always hold a special place.

Over many miles and decades of riding, I’ve learned a few lessons about riding safely – and I am still learning. Here are five dusty tips that might just save your hide.

  1. Attend  A Motorcycle Safety Class
    I cannot stress this enough. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers excellent classes that cover basic through advanced riding techniques. There are lots of class options, and you don’t even need to own a motorcycle to take certain MSF courses. You can ride your own bike or learn on (drop?) one of theirs – which brings me to my next point.
  2. Ride What Your Comfortable Riding
    I always suggest starting out on the smaller, lighter displacement bikes (in the 450cc – 750cc range for street riding) and working up to larger, heavier bikes. Smaller bikes have plenty of torque and can be more forgiving when learning to balance at slow, parking lot speeds. Eventually, your skills and desire to go for longer distances, maybe even with a pillion passenger (2-up), will suggest when it’s time to move to a bigger bike. Whatever your ride, check for proper tire inflation and tread wear, functioning headlights and signals, and proper mirror alignment.
  3. Ride In Your Comfort/Skill Zone
    Getting out on the road is the first step to gaining experience. Be aware of the road conditions – fresh rain, loose gravel, unpredictable animals and ever-present construction take special attention. Gradually increasing your skills and the relative difficulty of your rides will bring competence and confidence. Remember, your bike tends to go in the direction you’re looking. Take twisties at controlled speeds and with good entry and exit paths. Don’t put yourself into a position where you have to lean over a double yellow line to take a turn.
  4. Ride Like You’re Invisible
    When riding in traffic or coming to a stop, assume that drivers can’t see you. Drivers are distracted – talking on mobile phones, texting, daydreaming – they’re doing anything but looking for bikers. When riding, look for an open space where the area around your bike would be least threatened by distracted drivers. Try to anticipate what a car will do and always think about escape routes. Make yourself as visible as you can by smart lane positioning and gear.
  5. Use Safety Equipment That Fits and Is Appropriate
    Having a 4mm thick leather jacket does no good if it’s home in your closet on a summer day.  Perforated leathers or nylon jackets with armor are good hot weather alternatives. If you must ride in the rain, invest in biker-specific rain gear that won’t flap around or get caught on the bike. Always wear eye protection. Sturdy, non-slip boots that protect both foot and ankle should zip or tie securely. Controversy aside, for those like me who wear a helmet, make sure it fits properly. Local motorcycle apparel shops are great resources and appreciate your patronage – many will price match online vendors or at least come close. It’s worth a few extra dollars to ensure a proper fit. For longer rides, it is also good to carry a charged cell phone, map or GPS, and to let others know where you’re headed and when you expect to be back.

Keeping these motorcycle safety tips in mind, stay safe and enjoy the ride!

Bonus Rider Tip:   There’s a great twisty road between Huntsville and Scottsboro in Gurley off AL Highway 72 — it’s AL Highway 65.  Nice sweepers and S-turns as the narrow, lightly traveled, country road roughly follows the Paint Rock River to the east of the road.  From AL Highway 72 take AL  Highway 65 north for about 25 miles until it “T’s” with AL Highway 146, then head southeast about 5 miles until you come to AL Highway 79.  Ride Highway 79 south the 20-plus miles back to Highway 72 in Scottsboro.  Scenic and lots of elevation changes!

Filed Under: Motorcycle Law

About Tony Mastando

Tony Mastando is a partner at Mastando & Artrip. Mr. Mastando received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key National Honor Societies.

Practice Areas

  • Personal Injury
    • Car Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Nursing Home Litigation
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Slip and Fall
    • Truck Accidents
    • Wrongful Death
  • Workplace Litigation
    • Whistleblower Rewards and Protection
    • Employment Law
      • Unfair Compensation & Unpaid Wages
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Business Contracts
    • Media Law
    • Government Contracting
  • Complex Litigation
  • Class Action
  • Real Estate

Featured Posts

  • Whistleblowers & the False Claims Act
  • What to Do After an Accident
  • Protecting Our Girls In Schools
Defending Your Rights

Need Legal Help? Get in touch.

Serving North Alabama from Huntsville

  • (###) ###-####

Recent Posts

  • Judge Slashes Some of Fiat Chrysler, Cummins Truck Engine Defect Suit
  • A Discussion with Employment Attorney Teri Mastando
  • Google Accused Of Raking In $1B From Unauthorized Ads
  • Customers Call Bunk On AT&T’s New Docs In Throttle Suit
  • News After being beaten while handcuffed, two inmates sue Alabama prison guards

What Our Clients Say

A few years ago, a driver pulled out in front of me while I was on my motorcycle. Eric and Tony were relentless in dealing with the insurance company. Highly recommended lawyers. - Jim Curry, Ph.D.

Article Categories

  • Car Accidents
  • Class Action Lawsuits
  • Employment Law
  • Government Contracts
  • Huntsville
  • Law
  • Motorcycle Law
  • News
  • Personal Injury
  • Real Estate
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Whistle Blower Law
class=

Contact Us for Help

  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Hill v Madison Co Timeline

Huntsville’s Small Business and Personal Legal Service Team

Our law firm practices in Huntsville, Decatur, Athens and Northern Alabama areas within the Madison County and nearby court jurisdictions.

Conveniently Located in Downtown Huntsville

Mastando & Artrip LLC

301 Washington St NW #302
Huntsville, AL 35801

Phone: (256) 532-2222
Toll free: (800) 434-7195

View a Map to our Office

Copyright © 2021 Mastando & Artrip, LLC. All rights reserved · Privacy Policy · Website by 2theTop Web Design

  • About
    • News
  • Attorneys
    • Eric Artrip
    • Tony Mastando
    • Teri Mastando
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
      • Car Accidents
      • Nursing Home Litigation
      • Motorcycle Accidents
      • Slip and Fall
      • Truck Accidents
      • Wrongful Death
    • Workplace Litigation
      • Whistleblower Rewards and Protection
      • Employment Law
        • Unfair Compensation & Unpaid Wages
      • Commercial Litigation
      • Business Contracts
      • Media Law
      • Government Contracting
    • Complex Litigation
    • Class Action
    • Real Estate
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us