Motorcycle Safety Tips from the Virginia State Police and Motorcycle Virginia

There's lot of motorcycle riders in Loudoun County. That's why when we found this video, featuring Virginia State Police Sergeant Dan Jessee, we felt it would be helpful for Loudoun County Traffic readers. The WDBJ TV (Roanoke) video provides important motorcycle safety tips.


Here are some tips for Loudoun County motorcycle riders from Motorcycle Virginia!:

• Position your motorcycle so that other road users can see you. Avoid the car's blind spot. All vehicles, big or small, have blind spots, where other vehicles cannot easily be seen in their mirrors.
• Check your rear vision mirrors and glance over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging.
• Overtake carefully without speeding or swerving too much.
• Ride at a speed that will allow you to deal with the unexpected and allow you to slow down or stop.
• While traveling around curves, ride at the advised speed limit. It is very easy to "come unstuck". In fact, 48% of motorcyclists? fatal crashes occur on curves.
• Be particularly alert at intersections where many motorcycle-motor vehicle crashes occur. Approach intersections cautiously and prepare to stop, even if you have the right of way.
• Wear a Standards Approved helmet when riding. Helmets that are dropped or damaged may not protect you in a crash. Replace them immediately. Do not buy a second hand helmet. Don't ride in the middle of the traffic lane.

Let's all be safe on Loudoun County's roadways, especially as the weather gets warmer and more and more bikers are out enjoying the drive.

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