Motorcycle Safety Page
Resource
Motorcycle Safety
In 2023, 205 motorcyclists were killed on North Carolina roads (Source: NCDOT crash facts).
Dress for the Slide, Not the Ride
Helmet
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 43% (Source: National Institute of Health).
- Your DOT-certified helmet should grip your cheeks, your jaw, and the top and sides of your head.
- Avoid used helmets. There’s no way of knowing if a helmet was involved in a crash, which can compromise its quality and overall safety.
Clothing
- Wear a padded or reinforced jacket to provide some protection from abrasion in the event of a spill or crash. Always wear fitted long sleeves and long pants to keep from getting anything snagged on your motorcycle. Wear something brightly colored and/or reflective on your upper body.
Shoes
- Choose a motorcycle boot with a stiff rubber sole, ankle coverage, and tough material to protect yourself from flying debris or injury during a crash. Avoid dangling laces.
Gloves
- Non-slip durable gloves help to grip your controls and keep air out of your sleeves. Firmly padded gloves can help protect your hands if you are involved in a crash.
Eye Protection
- Wear well-ventilated goggles, glasses with safety lenses, or a helmet equipped with a face shield to protect you from insects, dirt, and wind.
Only Ride Sober
Nearly half (43%) of all riders who died in single-vehicle motorcycle crashes in 2022 were driving after drinking.
(Source: NHTSA)
Motorcyclists in alcohol or drug-related crashes are twice as likely to receive a traumatic brain injury than crashes not involving drugs or alcohol.
(Source: NHTSA)
Motorcycle Safety Training
BikeSafe NC offers free motorcycle safety training all over North Carolina. Find training near you at BikeSafeNC.com.
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