motorcycle defensive driving course what is it

In general, defensive driving courses teach students the basics of defensive driving, review state and federal laws, and offer advice for how to better handle sharing the road with other vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Full Answer

What is a defensive driving course?

A defensive driving course, or what some call traffic school, benefits all drivers, regardless of age or driving ability. A typical class, which includes online defensive driving programs, covers: Traffic crash statistics, including times when most crashes occur and age groups with the highest accident rates.

What is Defensive riding on a motorcycle?

What is Defensive Riding on a motorcycle? Learning how to ride defensively, is the single most important skill that you will learn as a new rider. Appreciating and thinking about defence riding throughout your riding career is the essence of riding a motorbike safely, on the public roads.

What is a motorcycle safety course?

A motorcycle safety course teaches both new and experienced riders how to handle their bike on the open road with safety and confidence.

What is completion of the motorcycle driving course?

Completion of the course can often be used in place of taking a skills test at the DMV and can potentially help you obtain motorcycle driving insurance at a discounted cost.

Why should you be a defensive driver on a motorcycle?

In reality, the most important feature of defensive driving is that it is an effective, safe driving technique that prevents accidents and injuries and saves lives. Motorcycle riders are much more vulnerable to injuries from accidents. They don't have the metal surrounding them that car drivers have.

Is defensive driving course good?

The short answer is yes, defensive driving courses are worth the money. Defensive driving courses give drivers a new perspective on viewing the road. They help drivers identify dangerous situations before they unfold. Defensive drivers can determine and mitigate risky behavior from other drivers.

What does defensive mean in driving?

Defensive driving means protecting yourself from more than just other drivers. It's about thinking ahead and anticipating hazards so you can avoid accidents before they happen.

How do you ride a motorcycle defense?

Five Defensive Driving Tips for California MotorcyclistsAvoid Distracted Driving. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes. ... Use Caution When Lane-Splitting. ... Wear Motorcycle Helmets and Protective Gear. ... Maintain Your Motorcycle. ... Make Sure People See You.

What are the 3 basic principles of defensive driving?

Pass to stay alive. Speed up to get around the other vehicle. Get back into the right lane as quickly as possible. Do not pass unless you can see far enough ahead.

What is defensive driving course online?

Defensive Driving Course Online (4-hour and 2-hour course) The course presents real-life driving situations, hazard recognition scenarios and defensive driving techniques to motivate drivers to change risky driving habits and behaviors to avoid collisions and traffic violations.

What is an example of defensive driving?

Pay Attention To Your Surroundings – Check your mirrors, keep your eyes moving constantly, be aware of slowing cars or brake lights ahead, avoid road hazards, and pay attention to weather-related conditions which could impend safe driving.

What are 5 defensive driving techniques?

Following these defensive driving tips can help reduce your risk behind the wheel:Think safety first. ... Be aware of your surroundings — pay attention. ... Do not depend on other drivers. ... Follow the 3- to 4-second rule. ... Keep your speed down. ... Have an escape route. ... Separate risks. ... Cut out distractions.

What are the most important things to be a defensive driver?

10 Key Defensive Driving Techniques You Need To KnowAlways Be Prepared. ... Stay Focused on Your Driving and the Road. ... Always Keep an Eye on Your Surroundings and Scan Far Ahead. ... Always Try to Predict a Possible Risk. ... Stay Safely Distant From the Vehicles Around You. ... Don't Drive in the Blind Spot of Another Vehicle.More items...•

What is defensive riding?

Defensive riding is a strategy that helps a motorcycle rider to always be in control and not to be surprised by the actions of others. It is about observing, anticipating, planning ahead and this strategy enables a motorcycle rider to remain in a safe controllable situation.

How do you ride defensively?

The Safe Course: 7 Defensive Driving Tactics For New MotorcyclistsMaintain Your Ride. When it comes to driver safety, a motorcycle is much less forgiving than a car. ... Wear The Right Protective Gear. ... Look Around. ... Know Your Route. ... Stay Educated. ... Be Confident. ... But Never Aggressive.

How can motorcycle accidents be prevented?

Tips to prevent motorcycle accidentsGear up. ... Be seen. ... Wear a full-face, Department of Transportation-approved helmet at all times — preferably light-colored, for maximum visibility. ... Be alert. ... Beware intersections. ... Never drink or speed. ... Avoid bad weather. ... Get schooled.More items...

What is the most important skill to learn to ride a motorbike?

Learning how to ride defensively, is the single most important skill that you will learn as a new rider. Appreciating and thinking about defence riding throughout your riding career is the essence of riding a motorbike safely, on the public roads. If you are interested in learning to ride a motorbike safely, please do read on!

What motorcycles have blue lights?

But when you Even police motorcyclists, with blue lights, flashing and sirens screaming, report that car drivers simply look right through them.

Do motorcycles have invisibility?

Motorcycles fall into that category of things that drivers don’t always perceive even if they are right in their field of vision. A motorcycle approaching head-on from a distance occupies a very small part of a driver’s vision. If it’s going quickly, it’s possible that the eye simply won’t get around to looking at it enough to make it “stick” in the brain before it arrives in the driver’s immediate vicinity. “Invisibility”

Can you ride under the influence of alcohol?

Do not ever ride under the influence of alcohol, drugs or if you are very tired.

What is a motorcycle safety course?

A motorcycle safety course is designed for new drivers, or as a refresher course for those that may not have ridden in a while. It will consist of classroom instruction and practical riding time ...

How long is a motorcycle road skills class?

Depending on the class for which you’ve signed up, this may consist of 10 to 15 hours of instruction.

How long is a motorcycle class?

Depending on the class for which you’ve signed up, this may consist of 10 to 15 hours of instruction. You’ll proceed through various exercises designed to help you be safe and competent on a motorbike such as braking, accelerating, shifting gears, navigating around objects, U-turns, and changing lanes. All of these maneuvers will be what a DMV skills test will be looking for if you’re required to take the physical exam in your state. In most cases, the course you’ve signed up for will have motorcycles for you to practice on while you’re in the class, though you can bring your own. Be sure to let your course instructor know if your bike feels too heavy or is somehow making you unable to perform certain skills, so they can swap it out for something lighter or help assess the situation and resolve any problems before you turn on the engine.

What to bring to safety class?

When you show up to your safety course, make sure to bring pen and paper for notes, especially during the classroom portion, snacks and food for lunch, and be sure you've dressed appropriately for riding. Clothing should consist of long pants, preferably denim, with or without leather chaps, or leather pants, a jacket or long sleeve shirt, ...

Do you need to study motorcycle safety before you go?

Before you go, check to see if your safety course needs you to study anything or complete any prerequisites before you arrive, as some may have you complete an online course or recommend that you study the motorcycle handbook for your state before you arrive.

How to enroll in defensive driving?

Besides the obvious benefit of making you a better driver, there are several other reasons to enroll. These include: 1 Many auto insurance providers reward enrollment with lower premiums. Contact your car insurance agent and ask if this money-saving option exists with your plan. 2 Traffic tickets. Depending on your state or situation, completing a defensive driving course may prompt your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or presiding court to dismiss the charges. This could possibly prevent your drivers license from getting suspended or revoked. For example, say you have an excessive number of speeding tickets on your driving record, and you just got flagged again, putting you in jeopardy of being declared a habitual offender. Having the ticket removed could possibly save your driving privileges. 3 Some states reward traffic school enrollment with the removal of points. New York, for example, trims up to four points from a driving record. The exact number of points removed depends on state.

What is the danger of driving under the influence of alcohol?

The dynamics of a crash. This pertains to how speed, place of impact and size of vehicle affects the severity of the collision. An extensive look at safety equipment, addressing the importance of seat belts, head rests, air bags, and child safety seats.

Can you get your license suspended for defensive driving?

This could possibly prevent your drivers license from getting suspended or revoked.

What can move a motorcycle across an entire lane?

Strong Winds – A strong gust of wind can move a motorcycle across an entire lane if the rider isn’t prepared for it. Wind gusts from large trucks passing in the other lane can be a real hazard.

What is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes?

Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. Here is some valuable information from DefensiveDriving.com’s Defensive Driving Course …. Knowing when collisions involving motorcycles are most likely to occur can help you drive safely in dangerous situations:

How many motorcycle crashes were there in 2008?

In 2008, there were 2,554 two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. Blind Spots – Motorcycles riding alongside a lane of cars are often out of view of the driver. An unsuspecting driver may collide with a motorcycle as the driver tries to change lanes.

Do motorcycle riders have to wear helmets?

Federal safety officials are calling on states to require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, citing a surge in fatalities since the late 1990s. Motorcycle deaths have increased over the last decade even as other traffic fatalities have declined, the National Transportation Safety Board said.

Can a motorcyclist slow down on a railroad track?

Railroad tracks may be a minor problem for drivers, but a motorcyclist may have to slow down or change lanes to avoid these obstacles. Weather Conditions – When the road surface is wet or icy, motorcycle braking and handling abilities are impaired.

What is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation?

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers safety booklets, downloadable Rider Course handbooks, videos, quick tips, white papers and more. They also can help you find a motorcycle safety course near you.

Why don't drivers anticipate motorcycles?

Drivers don't anticipate motorcycles' movements. The driver's view of the motorcyclist is obstructed, often by the vehicle's blind spots or other vehicles. The driver is distracted. Driver education programs should emphasize these issues – especially in programs for mature drivers who may have diminished abilities.

What is the most important equipment a biker can use?

Skill and Gear Can Protect You. A helmet is the most important equipment a biker can use. In 2017, 1,908 motorcyclists who died were not wearing a helmet. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries. A full-coverage helmet offers the most protection.

How many people died in motorcycle crashes in 2017?

In 2017, 5,172 motorcycle riders and passengers died in crashes. Fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers have more than doubled in number since 1997.

How many motorcycle crashes result in death?

More than 80% of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, according to NHTSA. In addition to wearing a helmet: Choose a bike that fits you; "supersport bikes" have driver death rates about four times that of cruisers or standard bikes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

What to do when you are riding in and out of a car?

Be courteous; don't weave in and out of lanes, or ride on the shoulder or between lanes

Is motorcycle safety a two way street?

Motorcycle Safety is a Two-way Street . When spring is in the air, motorcycles are everywhere. Do you long for the freedom that comes with riding on the open road? Then it's critical to respect your machine and improve your skills throughout your lifetime. But that's only half the story.

Things to Consider When Heading Out on a Ride

We know you are careful on your bike, but before heading out for a ride, please keep top of mind:

See and Be Seen

As a biker it’s good to stand out in a crowd! What we mean by that is – too frequently, drivers pull out in front of motorcycles (usually while turning left) and end up causing serious or even deadly accidents, simply because they never saw the man (or woman) on the motorcycle.

Community

Rubenstein Law offers unparalleled support to the Florida motorcycle community, promotes safe riding, and provides riders and their families with unrivaled legal representation.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving is a set of valuable skills that give you the ability to defend yourself while on the road. This includes avoiding collisions caused by oblivious drivers, intoxicated drivers, or inclement weather.

Why is defensive driving important?

Defensive driving is more important than ever to ensure your driving trips are always safe.

How does driving speed affect emergency driving?

Your driving speed will affect how fast you can stop your vehicle in the event of an emergency. Your driving speed should vary based on the current road conditions. Never exceed a speed that is “reasonable and safe” even if the speed limit is higher.

What is the best way to avoid an accident?

Planning ahead also includes making evasive maneuvers. Should the vehicle in front of you get into a car accident, you can quickly decide whether changing lanes or moving over to the shoulder is the best idea. This will help you avoid the accident and keep you and those in your vehicle safe.

What are the skills needed for defensive driving?

The skills necessary for defensive driving are a mix of preparing, observing, and reacting appropriately. Defensive drivers follow these main practices:

What are the most valuable driving skills?

The most valuable driving skills are knowing how to identify a potential hazard and how to avoid an accident. Throughout the course, you’ll learn many of the defensive driving practices listed above along with understanding vehicle emergencies and how to safely share the road.

How many feet does a car need to go to stop at 30 mph?

For example, a vehicle driving at 30 mph will need to travel about 120 feet before coming to a complete stop. This includes about 60 feet for reaction time and 50-60 feet of braking time.

What is an aggressive motorcyclist?

An aggressive motorcyclist leads others or rides alone riding on the left side of the lane, apparently to show dominance. A rider cannot possibly dominate cars or trucks. Avoid overtake to the right - circumstances will arise where vehicles try to merge from the right, thinking it is an open lane and hit riders because it seems to be empty at a glance (in many cases they don't see the bikes). An assertive rider will follow newer riders to observe their performance and not drag newer riders through curves faster than they can handle. An assertive rider uses lane choice (left, center or right thirds of a lane) to increase their visibility in traffic, depending on the situation. An aggressive motorcyclist disregards lanes or lane choice altogether and has the highest accident and fatality rates.

When riding with other motorcycles, what should you avoid?

When riding with other motorcycles, avoid lane sharing. When something like a large pothole, animal, random object, or even another vehicle endangers one of the two riders where the rider must swerve to avoid a collision or crash, the rider right next to you is taking up your safety zone.

How to prevent accidents at intersections?

6. To prevent accidents at intersections, use cars as shields by passing through stoplights alongside cars and other vehicles , especially if you are able to position yourself where the other traffic is in the left lane blocking another car from turning left in front of you.

What to wear in a motorcycle crash?

Wear proper clothing and equipment . Goggles or glasses, boots, motorcycle gloves, jeans or leather pants, and leather or at least denim jacket will protect your bare skin from coming into direct contact with the pavement in the event of a crash. While helmet laws have their proponents and critics, legalities aside, helmets have certainly saved lives in many circumstances. Clothes with protection for knees, elbows and shoulders are important, as they decrease the chances of broken bones and tendons in these points. The first body parts to hit the ground are usually the worst cases in light to mild crashes. If you hit a corner, the chance for this kind of injury is high, with recovery slow and difficult. "The use of heavy boots, jacket, gloves, etc., is effective in preventing or reducing abrasions and lacerations, which are frequent but rarely severe injuries" [National Traffic Safety Administration].

What is the typical error in motorcycle accidents?

Turns and curves: "In the single vehicle accidents, motorcycle rider error was present as the accident precipitating factor in about two-thirds of the cases, with the typical error being a slide-out and fall due to over-braking or running wide on a curve due to excess speed or under-corn ering" [National Traffic Safety Administration].

Why do aggressive drivers merge into the left lane?

However more aggressive drivers may be more likely to abruptly merge into the left (passing) lane due to impatience with the flow of traffic , and this same impatience can also cause the driver to fail to acknowledge a motorcyclist already occupying that lane (or cause an aggressive driver to not care if he pushes the motorcyclist aside).

What is the difference between an assertive rider and an aggressive rider?

An assertive rider uses lane choice (left, center or right thirds of a lane) to increase their visibility in traffic, depending on the situation. An aggressive motorcyclist disregards lanes or lane choice altogether and has the highest accident and fatality rates. ...

How many hours of motorcycle instructor training?

Instructors for the course are all certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. All are motorcycle riders and have completed 80+ hours of instructor training.

What is the motorcycle foundation?

In an attempt to reduce motorcycle accidents and injuries, the Foundation has programs in rider education, licensing improvement, public information and statistics. These programs are designed for both motorcyclists and motorists.

What is a BRC motorcycle?

The BRC is designed for beginning riders. It was developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and approved by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. It consists of a combined 16 hours classroom and on-motorcycle instruction including the following: 1 Preparation to ride. 2 Shifts, turns, brakes. 3 Street strategies. 4 Special situations. 5 Enhanced riding skills. 6 Maintenance and insurance.

How long is the BRC course?

It was developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and approved by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. It consists of a combined 16 hours classroom and on-motorcycle instruction including the following: Preparation to ride. Shifts, turns, brakes.

Can you waive the motorcycle skills test?

The motorcycle skills test, ordinarily required for a Class M license, may be waived if a student successfully completes an approved Basic Rider (BRC) Course at a Motorcycle Safety Foundation training site approved under the New York State Motorcycle Safety program.

Is it possible to ride a motorcycle on your own?

However, motorcycling requires skill, concentration and reasonable precautions. Although it is possible to ride a motorcycle on your own, trial and error is a tough teacher of motorcycling skills.