- Always wear a DOT-approved helmet.
- Never ride your motorcycle after drinking.
- Don't let friends ride impaired.
- Wear protective clothing that provides some level of injury protection. Upper body clothing should also include bright colors or reflective materials.
- Avoid tailgating.
- Maintain a safe speed and exercise
caution when traveling over slippery surfaces or gravel.
According to the CDC, motorcycle crash-related injuries and
deaths in one year totaled $12 billion in medical care costs and productivity
losses. However, cost savings in states with universal motorcycle helmet laws
were nearly four times greater than in states without these laws. As of May
2012, 19 states and the District of Columbia had universal helmet laws, while
28 states had partial helmet laws. For helmet laws
by state, click here. For
more motorcycle safety information, click here.