You have recently purchased a brand-new motorcycle and are anticipating the many adventures you will have cruising the open roads of New Jersey. One of the aspects of owning your own bike that you are most excited about is being able to take passengers out to experience the thrill of biking. At Escandon, Fernicola, Anderson & Covelli, we are experienced with the risks that motorcyclists face.
While it may seem like a relatively simple concept to include a passenger on your ride, doing so without the knowledge of safety practices can actually be quite dangerous and terrifying for both you and your passenger. Esurance suggests some simple practices that you can implement to effectively prepare yourself, your bike and your passenger for a safe and enjoyable ride. These tips include the following:
- Be sure that your bike is designed to carry more than one person.
- Remind your passenger to keep his or her legs clear of the mufflers which can be extremely hot.
- Make sure that your passenger is wearing appropriate clothing for a motorcycle ride.
- Increase your following distance from other vehicles and allow more time for lane changes and stopping.
- Do not allow your passenger to take his or her place on the bike until you have started the bike and moved it to an upright position.
- Be aware of the weight limitations of your bike so you can make sure that you do not unnecessarily put your life or the life of your passenger in danger.
When you are properly educated on how to ride your motorcycle with a passenger, you can be more confident in your ability to provide a memorable and safe ride. For more information about what to do if you have been injured in a crash on your motorcycle, visit our web page.