Lake Tahoe Motorcycle Insurance: Focusing on Rider Safety

Were you aware that, aside from winter, springtime can be the most dangerous time to ride for motorcyclists? Although the winter weather in the Lake Tahoe area has not been as nearly severe as other parts of the country in 2014, the melting snow and fluctuating temperatures have compromised pavement, causing numerous potholes. Potholes in the road are hard to spot, especially when going 45+ mph on a motorcycle.

In addition to potholes, hydroplaning is another safety concern for motorcyclists. Hydroplaning happens when the tires don’t completely hit the ground but instead glide on the water, causing the driver to lose control. This is an even more dangerous situation for motorcyclists than it is automobile drivers.

While having the right Lake Tahoe Motorcycle Insurance policy will protect you financially if your bike is damaged, or if you are injured, ensuring your safety while riding should be your number one priority. Potholes and hydroplaning aren’t the only risks out there for motorcyclists either. The biggest piece of safety advice that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers is of course to wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear, but what other safety steps can you take?

If you are a new motorcyclist, taking a motorcycle safety course is an excellent idea.  The class will teach you about the traffic safety laws that apply to motorcycles in California and Nevada, how to respond to emergency situations on a motorcycle, and will give you the chance to try out your riding skills in a controlled environment. It’s also important to always ride within your skills when out on a busy road. Taking the time to build your skills, whether you are just planning on riding surface streets or you want to ride for sport, will help you reduce the likelihood of a collision or other type of accident.

Another safety factor to keep in mind, even if you are an experienced rider, is avoiding distractions. Distracted driving has been proven to be one of the biggest crash risks for drivers, but it’s even worse for motorcyclists. As a motorcyclist, it’s imperative to be constantly aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t see a motorcyclist until they are right on top of them, which may be too late to stop and avoid an accident. So if you’re on a bike, put your phone where you can’t get to it, don’t wear headphones, and watch the traffic both ahead of and behind you.

These are just a few of the things that you can do to make your motorcycle ride safer. At Cal-Nevada, we understand the unique risks you face as a motorcyclist. We offer Lake Tahoe Motorcycle Insurance Policies that meet all state mandates, in addition to excellent coverages that protect you against a wide array of accident-related costs. Please contact us today at (866) 670-5948 to learn more about the Lake Tahoe Personal Insurance products we offer.