MSF: Five rules for staying safe

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has five simple rules for motorcyclists, and five for drivers, too. If everyone followed them, the roads would be a lot safer.

Five rules for riders:

• Get Trained and Licensed - Take an MSF RiderCourse and get licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Wear Protective Gear - Wear proper protective riding gear, most importantly a helmet made to Department of Transportation standards.
• Ride Unimpaired - Ride unimpaired, never drinking or using other drugs before getting on a motorcycle.
• Ride Within Your Limits - Stay within your personal limits, never riding faster or farther than your abilities can handle.
• Be a Lifelong Learner - Be lifelong learners, regularly returning for refresher riding courses.

Five rules for car drivers:

• Look Out for Motorcyclists - Use your eyes and mirrors to see what’s around.
• Don't Be Distracted - Hang up and drive, put down the food, the pet, the personal grooming gear, the CD, and the reading material and save it for later.
• Give Two-Wheelers Some Room - Don't tailgate or get too close side-by-side.
• Use Your Turn Signals - Signal your intentions. It's also the law.
• Keep it in the Car - Don’t throw trash and cigarettes out the window, and securely lash down cargo that can fall out on the road and be a deadly hazard.