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From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Bank coast, North Carolina bikers enjoy the open air and thrill of riding a motorcycle.

 

 

 

 

 

motorcycle-rider-on-the-expressway, motorcycle safety

  • Motorcyclists
  • Other Motorists
Motorcyclists

Want to learn how to ride like a pro? BikeSafe NC offers free Rider Skills Days across the state. The training including skill assessment, classroom-based information and on-road ride outs.

 

Motorcyclist Safety – Ride to Live

 

North Carolina law requires all operators and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds to wear a DOT certified helmet. In 2011, an estimated 190 – 226 traumatic brain injury hospitalizations were prevented because of North Carolina’s universal helmet law (Naumann, Marshall, Proescholdbell, Austin, and Crebbage, 2015).

 

Protect yourself with the right gear

Motorcycle Helmet Icon
Helmet
  • Your DOT-certified helmet should grip your cheeks, your jaw, and the top and sides of your head.
  • Don’t buy a used helmet. There’s no way of knowing if a helmet was involved in a crash, which can compromise its quality and overall safety
Eye Protection Icon
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.
Gloves Icon
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.
Clothing Icon
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 Icon
Shoes
  • Tennis shoes, sandals, or cowboy boots don’t cut it. Choose a motorcycle boot with a stiff rubber sole, ankle coverage, and tough material to protect your from flying debris or injury during a crash. Avoid dangling laces.
Other Motorists

 

 

 

Always Ride Safe

In 2012, 30% of motorcyclists killed on North Carolina roads were riding with a BAC over the legal limit (NHTSA).

Stick to the speed limit.

In 2013, 34% of all motorcyclists killed in the United States were speeding (NHTSA).

 

Resources
Sources

Naumann, R. B., Marshall, S. W., Proescholdbell, S. K., Austin, A., & Creppage, K. (2015). Impact of north carolina’s motorcycle helmet law on hospital admissions and charges for care of traumatic brain injuries. North Carolina Medical Journal, 76(2), 70.

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