Motorcycle and ATV Safety

Riding is not a skill that is inherent, but rather an ability that is learned and developed through practice. The best way to get started is by taking a rider course to learn hand and foot controls, turning, braking maneuvers, crash avoidance and protective gear selection.

The SIPDE System

Experienced riders use a system known as SIPDE to make split-second decisions and take action in traffic. Use this process to help avoid hazards:

• Scan surroundings thoroughly for potential hazards.


• Identify potential hazards and conflicts, such as other vehicles, pedestrians or potholes.


• Predict effects of the hazard. How critical is the hazard and how might it be avoided?


• Decide what you can do to reduce the hazard. This may be accomplished by communicating your presence with your lights or horn, adjusting your speed or changing lanes.


• Execute your plan to avoid the hazard.

Get into the right gear

For a safe ride, use protective gear — always wear a helmet, eye protection, highly visible protective clothing, over-the-ankle boots and gloves. Consider the following safety tips when deciding on the right gear to wear:

• Helmet – ensure your helmet has a DOT (Department of Transportation) compliance sticker — this means it meets basic safety standards.


• Eye protection – the proper eye gear means there is an approved shield on your helmet, you are wearing a pair of goggles, or you have shatterproof glasses.


• Jacket – look for leather or sturdy material made specifically for riding.


• Pants – cover your legs and wear rigid "body armor" for additional protection.


• Gloves – get a good grip on controls and protect your hands.


• Boots – use over-the-ankle boots with strong leather that have slide-proof heels.


• Hearing protection – reduce noise for ear protection, but you should still be able to hear horns and sirens.


• High visibility gear – wear reflective gear that is visible at night.

NJM Insurance Group’s Commitment to Safety

NJM’s enduring commitment to safety can be traced back to our earliest days — with a focus that has expanded from improving conditions in manufacturing facilities to helping keep customers safe on the roads and at home. NJM is a leader in personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and workers’ compensation insurance.

References:

1. ATV Safety Institute, https://atvsafety.org.

2. Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), “Safety Booklets,” https://msf-usa.org/library/#safety-booklets-link.

3. Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, “Motorcycle Helmet Fact Sheet,” https://saferoads.org/issues/motorcycle-helmets.

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Motorcycle Safety,” https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/mc/index.html.