There is nothing quite like the thrill and freedom of taking your bike out on the open road. At Windward Insurance Agency we offer a full range of protections including coverage for you and your motorcycle. However, for anyone who drives on Florida roadways, protection begins with prioritizing motorcycle safety.
We invite you to please take a moment to re-familiarize yourself with the following motorcycle safety tips:
Wear a Helmet
In Florida, only those under 21 years old are required to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. However, whether required by law or not, the fact remains: helmets save lives. Motorcyclists who get into a crash without a helmet are 40% more likely to suffer fatal head injuries.
Wearing a helmet provides comfort from the elements (e.g., bugs, noise, wind) and safety in case of an accident. Wearing one is always a good idea, for the driver and passenger alike, because it can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries – and potentially save your life.
Here's what to look for in a motorcycle helmet: Make sure to get a helmet with a DOT symbol on the back; this indicates it meets federal motorcycle safety standards. Helmets come in different shapes and sizes, as well as varying weights and liner thicknesses, so take the time to find one right for you. The helmet should have a chin guard, which keeps the helmet securely on your head, even if you take a spill. Full-face helmets provide the best protection.
Invest in Proper Riding Gear
After a good helmet, you'll want to be sure you're properly attired when on your motorcycle. Shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops may be the clothing of choice for many Floridians – but you could be dead wrong if these are your style choices when out for a ride. Wear appropriate protective gear – such as long pants (never shorts), motorcycle boots, gloves, eyewear, and a ventilated jacket – each and every time you jump on your bike.
Riding pants or jackets with air mesh panels can help prevent overheating in the hot Florida sun. You'll want to choose abrasion-resistant clothing to best protect your skin if you're ever tossed from your bike. Don't wear anything too loose or baggy, either – besides offering little to no protection in the event of a crash, it creates additional wind resistance, may cause a distraction for you or other drivers, and may even get tangled in the bike's moving parts. The same goes for shoelaces or dangling straps of any kind. Finally, Florida law requires eye protection be worn by anyone riding a motorcycle, regardless of their age – even if your ride has a windshield.
Help Other Drivers See You
On a motorcycle, you've got a much smaller and more narrow profile than the cars and trucks you may be traveling alongside. This means it can be difficult for other drivers to see you. Your speed and distance (in a rear-view mirror, for example) can also be hard for others to gauge.
Being visible to other drivers is crucial for motorcycle safety. Here are some things you can try:
• Choose bright colors, especially for your helmet and jacket (neon colors like yellow, orange, or green are more noticeable than darker colors)
• Use reflectors and reflective tape
• Position yourself where you can be seen by other drivers
• Keep your headlights on, even during the day
• Use turn signals when changing lanes or making turns
• Use your horn when necessary
• Ride in a staggered formation when traveling in a group
• Flash your brake lights when slowing down
• Stay alert and make eye contact with other drivers if possible, especially at intersections, where most motorcycle crashes occur
Watch this video for more motorcycle safety strategies from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Are You & Your Motorcycle Covered in Case of Accidents?
We get it: motorcycling in Florida can be a fabulous experience. The favorable weather conditions all year long, extensive road networks, and the scenic beauty of the Sunshine State make the state an enticing draw for all motorcycle enthusiasts.
At Windward Insurance Agency, we want to be sure you are safe and protected while motoring on Florida roadways.
We offer motorcycle coverage for:
• Parts & equipment
• Medical expenses
• Roadside assistance
• Uninsured/underinsured motorists
To find out more, get an online quote on the Windward Insurance Agency website or call us today at (866) 231-2433 for assistance.
