Motorcycle Passenger Safety Tips

If you are a motorcycling enthusiast, you know that hitting the road with a passenger is a serious responsibility. Motorcycle lawyers everywhere recommend that you use caution and review your state’s laws before taking on a passenger. Follow these motorcycle safety tips and both you and your companion can look forward to many safe, comfortable rides.

Sometimes, you just don’t want to hit the road alone. Having a friend, family member, or special someone on the bike with you is a great way to spend time together and enjoy the thrill of the open highway. Having a passenger does, however, come with some serious responsibilities. You, as the driver, should review your state’s laws and educate your passenger on motorcycle safety before starting your trip. Motorcycle lawyers recommend following these tips to help guarantee a safe ride for you and your passenger.

• Follow all state laws and requirements for carrying a passenger. Laws vary from state to state, so be sure that you know your area’s laws before starting your trip.

• Review your state’s specific equipment requirements. For example, you may be required to have passenger footrests, which the passenger must be able to reach.

• If you want to carry a child, check your state’s laws on carrying a child as a passenger. Some states have an age requirement for child passengers. Assuming that all other safety requirements are met, making the choice to carry a child is the decision of the minor’s parent or guardian. The child must, however, be mature enough to handle the responsibility of being a passenger. The child must be tall enough to reach the footrests, and he or she must wear an appropriately fitting helmet and necessary safety gear. The child must also hold onto you or the passenger hand-holds.

• You should be experienced in the motorcycle’s operation and maintain a responsible, safety-oriented attitude when driving and when carrying a passenger.

• Practice with your passenger. Go to a low-risk area, such as a parking lot. While carrying your passenger, drive around the parking lot and maintain speed and clutch/throttle control, along with normal and emergency braking. This will help your passenger become accustomed to the feel of the ride.

• Be cautious when turning corners to ensure that your passenger is comfortable and safe.

• Give your passenger time to adjust to the speed and the sensation of leaning. Speeds should be conservatively safe and reasonable until he or she acclimates to the proper riding techniques.

Before your next ride, talk to your passenger. If your companion is a novice motorcyclist, be aware of his or her experience level and discuss any concerns he or she might have. Make sure that your passenger understands the importance of safety gear and knows what to do in an emergency. Practicing these motorcycle safety tips will help you both avoid injuries and accidents on the road. Remember, this is your opportunity to share your love of riding—so be patient, be safe, and have fun!

Motorcycle lawyers want you and your passenger to be safe on the road. Review your state laws and follow these motorcycle safety tips before your next road trip.