On Wednesday, May 13th a California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer was involved in a collision in Petaluma on his way to a call. A car pulled out in front of him and he was thrown from his bike - even though he had his sirens and lights flashing.

His name was Todd Overzet - and if it could happen to him, even with all his safety precautions, it could happen to you. So, before you go zooming off on your two-wheeler, here are a few tips for motorcycle safety.

The Checklist

• Wear your gear. Helmet, protective gloves, leather clothing, boots with non-skid soles, protective eyewear - all of these things will add up to you being as safe as you can while enjoying your motorcycle ride. With a little bit of effort you can avoid becoming a human skid mark. You could even consider attaching reflective tape to your clothing, so that other automobiles more easily see you.
• Follow traffic rules. Two less wheels than everyone else doesn’t mean you aren’t obligated to the same rules as the rest. Obey the speed limit, don’t pass people dangerously and needlessly, and do not try to split lanes. Remember, you’ll get there eventually - might as well be in one piece.
• Ride defensively. Just because you feel that you are visible doesn’t mean you are - a lot of drivers aren’t thinking about motorcycles. Nearly two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents are caused by a driver violating a rider’s right of way. Keep your lights on, avoid riding in other driver’s blind spots, and make sure to turn your signal on way before you actually have to turn.
• Be awake and ride sober. If you don’t feel like you are 100% in your driving zone, don’t drive. Find somewhere to rest up before you hit the highway.

Preparing to Ride

Always do a run over your motorcycle before hitting the road. This means:

• Check the tires. Check for bulges or cracks, or signs that the tread is wearing down. Check the tire pressure as well - low pressure or any defects can lead to blowouts.
• Check under the motorcycle for any signs of oil or gas - if it’s leaking, you should probably fix it before riding out.
• Check all your lights and signals. Headlight, taillight, blinkers, etc.
• Hydraulic and Coolant fluids. These should be checked at least once a week, along with oil.
• Clutch and throttle - make sure both are working smoothly.
• Mirrors. Make sure that they are free from dirt and adjusted to the right position.
• Brakes. Brakes are imperative - test the front and rear brakes. They should be firm and hold the bike still when fully applied.
• Horn. Always check your horn, it’s your emergency ‘HERE I AM’ button.

So, just follow these tips and safety measures and you will be as prepared as you can to hit the highway and enjoy a day of riding. Remember, safe is fun!