Stan Loomis is a proud motorcycle enthusiast, often found cruising through sunny Florida with a smile painted across his face.  While Stan and his wife are all about having a great time traveling around on their bikes, the Loomis’ are well aware of the dangers that come along with owning and riding a motorcycle. Unfortunately, not every motorcycle driver takes the proper precautions while riding. There are many factors that can make riding motorcycles dangerous including other drivers on the road, inclement weather, and faulty equipment. To help keep everyone safe on the road, Stan Loomis provides the following safety tips:

 Safety Tips for motorcycle riders:

• Always wear a helmet. While laws about helmets vary from state to state, wearing a helmet can reduce crash injuries substantially. Helmets with the DOT label meet federal safety standards.
• If your helmet does not have a face shield, wear goggles or glasses to protect your vision and help you clearly see the road.
• Although it’s enjoyable to ride side by side with another biker, this is very dangerous and even illegal in some states. Ride behind or infront of one another, not next to eachother.
• Invest in good, quality gear. Even if you are an experienced and cautious motorcyclist, accidents happen. When they do, good gear can make all the difference in keeping you protected from serious injury.
• Use your signals. Avoid any confusion and give everyone else on the road a clear idea of what you are going to do next.
• Obey speed limits. Speed limits are put up for your safety as well as the safety of others. Even if you feel you are in control at a higher speed, someone else on the road may stop suddenly in front of you or swerve into your lane. While you can’t control other drivers, you can control your own speed.
• Avoid driving in another driver’s blind spot. It is important for other drivers to be aware of your whereabouts. If they can’t see you, they may accidentally run right into you or cause you to have to swerve away quickly, putting others in danger.
• Make sure to check your lights, brakes, turn signals, mirrors, and oil before each ride.

Tips for other drivers:

• Never follow too closely. Bikers often need to swerve to avoid potholes or other obstacles in the road. This does not mean they are driving recklessly, rather that they are being cautious. Always make sure to leave sufficient room between your vehicle and a motorcycle.
• Always look before changing lanes or taking turns.
• Use turn signals. As mentioned above, it is important for everyone on the road to know your plan so they can react accordingly.
• Be aware of inclement weather.  It is always important to be extra careful when weather conditions are less than perfect. It is also important to understand that motorcyclists may have more difficulties in poor weather conditions.
• Check your blind spots often. Knowing where everybody is on the road around you will prevent any unnecessary incidents of cutting someone off and causing them to swerve dangerously out of the way.
• Remember we are all sharing the road, be courteous to one another!

 Stan Loomis advises all drivers to be careful on the road.  Accidents can be prevented, so spread the word and make sure to look twice, both for your safety as well as the safety of others!