Although May is the official Motorcycle Safety month, awareness and precautions should be implemented all year long. Groups and individuals have put forth tremendous effort to stem the increasing number of riders killed or severely injured while riding motorcycles, yet there is still work to be done.

Through the tireless determination of private groups like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and public entities such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle fatalities have slightly decreased the past few years. However, according to the CDC, more than 34,000 riders were killed between 2001 and 2008. An astounding 175,000 riders were treated in emergency rooms across the nation during 2008 alone.

Although the highest death rates and injuries occur in riders age 25-29, experience doesn’t always protect you from the poor driving of others on the road. These statistics may seem to say that motorcycle riders are just plain dangerous, however, in more than 60 percent of all bike-involved crashes the driver of the car or truck was at fault. The inherently exposed nature of riding a two-wheeled vehicle simply leaves motorcycle riders at an increased risk. Also, as more and more people join the millions of bike owners, the statistics indicate an increase in incidents.

Like most bike owners, you drive responsibly. You never ride while intoxicated. You always wear your helmet and other safety equipment, and you make sure you are clearly visible to other motorists with whom you share the road. Many motorcycle owners also participate in charity rides and help out in their communities. The image of the tough and rumbling biker gang has been all but eliminated from the stereotypes of motorcycle owners. But what can you do if the “other guy” isn’t paying attention? What happens when, despite all your caution, you become involved in a wreck?

That’s when you need the most important piece of safety equipment in your saddle bags: Your motorcycle insurance card. Our knowledgeable agents can help you locate a number of motorcycle insurance quotes from a variety of providers, ensuring you will find the best coverage at the most affordable rates. We can assist you in finding the perfect policy that will help you make swift repairs to your damaged bike so you can hit the road again without missing a beat. Contact us to help you meet all your motorcycle insurance needs.