The Line Separating a Thrill and a Spill is Thin on a Motorbike

Aa motorcycle rider is about 34 times more likely to die in a crash compared to a car driver or passenger.

And if you come off a moving motorcycle, your odds of suffering some kind of injury are greater than 96 percent. We are not citing these statistics as a means of scaring people away from riding motorcycles, but instead to point out the need to do all you can to minimize your risk for injury.

Here are some other important motorcycle safety tips:

• When riding in traffic, don’t assume that other drivers will know are there, even if you have the right of way.
• Sandals, shorts and a T-shirt won’t do anything to protect you if you crash.
• Signal well in advance of changing lanes or turning.
• Check your rear-view mirror for tailgaters or other potential hazards.

Being as safe as possible on a motorcycle comes down to following three rules: Be smart, be protected and be seen.