Missouri State Highway Patrol — Public Information and Education Division
Motorcycle Safety in Missouri
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation, most likely due to the low initial investment, its use as a pleasure vehicle, and its fuel efficiency. Motorcycle fatalities represent approximately 10 percent of all Missouri highway fatalities. One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in traffic crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides no protection in a crash.
An automobile is heavier and having four wheels is more stable. Because of its size, an automobile is easier to see. Its door beams and roof provide some measure of protection from impact or rollover. Automobiles also have cushioning, airbags, and safety belts to protect their passengers.
A motorcycle suffers in comparison when considering vehicle characteristics that directly contribute to occupant safety. However, what a motorcycle sacrifices in weight, bulk, and other crashworthiness characteristics is somewhat offset by its agility, maneuverability, ability to stop quickly, and ability to swerve quickly when necessary. As a motorcycle operator, it is imperative that you take every precaution: Attend training, wear protective gear, obey all traffic laws, keep your motorcycle in excellent condition, and stay alert.
Training
A motorcyclist should attend an approved motorcycle rider training course to learn how to operate a motorcycle safely and skillfully. A motorcyclist has to be more careful and aware at intersections, where most motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
• Motorcyclists must remain visible to other motorists at all times. Do not ride in a car's blind spot.
• Learn to anticipate the actions and movements of the other drivers. Place greater emphasis on defensive driving.
• Motorcyclists must be more cautious when riding in inclement weather, on slippery surfaces, or when encountering obstacles on the roadway.
• Place greater reliance on your helmet, eye protection, and clothing to increase riding comfort and reduce the severity of injury.
• Approximately 8.3 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve alcohol/drugs. Never drink and ride.
• Most traffic crashes involving motorcycles occur within urban regions; however, fatal crashes mostly occur in rural areas.
• Be properly licensed to operate a motorcycle.
Before You Buy
• Select a motorcycle that fits. You should be able to touch the ground with both feet when astride the vehicle.
• If carrying a passenger, make sure the motorcycle has a passenger seat and footrests.
• Check the location of the controls. Make sure you can reach and operate them easily.
• Buy the power you need, but only as much as you can handle safely.
• Consider the primary use of your bike. Do not buy a trail bike for highway use or vice versa.
Protective Gear
Riders should not ride without a certified motorcycle helmet and eye protection. Missouri law requires every person under 26 years of age operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle to wear protective headgear at all times the vehicle is in motion.
Drivers with the motorcycle endorsement on their driver license and passengers are not required to wear protective headgear if they are 26 years of age or older and have proof of personal medical insurance coverage.
DOT-compliant helmets are identified by a sticker inside the helmet. Make sure it fits comfortably and snugly, and is fastened for the ride. Wear the right shoes, gloves, and clothing.
Pre-Ride Inspection
• Make sure headlights, taillights, turn signals, horn, and brake lights work properly.
• Check all fluid levels and make sure they are adequate for the ride.
• Inspect for loose spokes, wheel alignment, and tires for wear and proper inflation.
• If chain driven, check for proper tension (about 3/4 inch of play).
• Make sure kickstand and center stand remain up while riding.
• Periodically inspect engine area and frame for loose bolts.
• Check throttle for smooth travel and no sticking.
• Check clutch and brake levers for smooth operation.
• Check clutch, throttle, and brake cables. Lubricate or replace as recommended.
• Check front and rear brakes, pads, shoes, rotors, and drums.
• Check battery fluid levels and terminals for corrosion.
Top Five Contributing Circumstances for Fatal Motorcycle Crashes
• Speed
• Failed To Yield
• Improper Lane Usage/Change
• Alcohol
• Distracted/Inattentive
Remember that a motorcyclist must abide by the same traffic rules and regulations as other motorists. Never drink and ride. Alcohol slows reflexes and greatly limits your ability to operate a motorcycle.
Drivers of Other Motor Vehicles
The majority of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by car/truck drivers, not by motorcyclists. The driver either does not see the oncoming motorcyclist or does not see them in time to avoid a crash.
Sharing the Road
• Respect the motorcyclist: Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel.
• Look out: Look for motorcyclists at intersections and on the highway. Clearly signal your intentions.
• Natural blind spot: Always turn your head to check all directions more than once.
• Anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuver: Obstructions you ignore may be deadly for a motorcyclist.
• Allow plenty of space: Do not follow a motorcycle too closely.
Motor Scooters and Mini Cycles
Scooters and motorized bicycles have been advertised as toys, but unless you have a driver's license, they are illegal to operate on public streets and highways. A motorized bicycle is any two- or three-wheeled device with an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than 50 cubic centimeters.
Contact
Public Information and Education Division
Missouri State Highway Patrol
1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0568
(573) 751-3313
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov
Email: mshppied@mshp.dps.mo.gov
Emergency Assistance: 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55
Road Conditions: 1-888-275-6636