OFF THE WIRE
http://www.dmv.state.va.us/safety/#programs/motorcycle/index.asp
Motorcycling is a fun, exciting way to travel and experience the beauty of
Virginia; however, riding a motorcycle is serious business and requires extra
concentration and additional training.
Virginia's motorcycle requirements are designed to ensure the
safety of motorcyclists as well as others traveling on the road. Read on to find
out what you need to do to ride safely and legally.
Get Licensed If you operate a motorcycle in Virginia,
you must hold a valid Class M designation or a motorcycle driver's license.
Title and Register Your Motorcycle If you own and operate a
motorcycle in Virginia, you must have a Virginia title, registration card, and
license plate.
Wear the Proper Riding Gear Despite the best prevention
efforts, motorcycle crashes do occur. In a crash, the most important factor for
reducing injury to a motorcyclist is personal protection. The proper riding
gear—a helmet, eye protection, leather jackets and trousers, durable gloves, and
proper footwear—can provide this personal protection.
Provided by the DMV Highway Safety Office
Helmets A helmet is the most important safety equipment
a motorcyclist wears. Helmets are about 29 percent effective in preventing
motorcycle deaths and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries.
An unhelmeted rider is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury than
is a helmeted rider.
In Virginia, motorcyclists and their passengers must wear an
approved motorcycle helmet that meets or exceeds the standards and
specifications of the Snell Memorial Foundation, the American National Standards
Institute, Inc., or the federal Department of Transportation.
Eye Protection Since many motorcycles don't have
windshields, riders must protect their eyes against insects, dirt, rocks, or
other airborne matter. Even the wind can cause the eyes to tear and blur vision,
and good vision is imperative when riding. Motorcycle operators should choose
good quality goggles, glasses with plastic or safety lenses, or a helmet
equipped with a face shield. Goggles, glasses, and face shields should be
scratch free, shatterproof, and well-ventilated to prevent fog buildup. Only
clear shields should be used at night since tinted shields reduce contrasts and
make it more difficult to see. Even if the motorcycle has a windshield, eye
protection is recommended.
Jackets and Trousers Clothing worn when riding a
motorcycle should provide some measure of protection from abrasion in the event
of a crash. The clothing should be of durable material (for example, special
synthetic material or leather). Jackets should have long sleeves. Trousers (not
shorts) should not be baggy or flared at the bottom to prevent entanglement with
the chain, kick starter, foot-pegs, or other protrusions on the sides of a
motorcycle.
Note: Upper body clothing should be brightly colored.
Some motorcyclists wear lightweight reflective orange or yellow vests over their
jackets. Use of retro-reflective material on clothing, the helmet, and the
motorcycle helps make the motorcyclist visible to other motorists, especially at
night. Many vehicle/motorcycle crashes occur because the driver of the other
vehicle failed to see the motorcyclist in time to avoid the crash.
Gloves Durable, non-slip gloves are recommended to permit a
firm grip on the controls. Leather gloves are excellent, as are special fabric
gloves with leather palms and grip strips on the fingers. Gauntlet-type gloves
keep air out of a motorcyclist's sleeves.
Footwear Proper footwear affords protection for the feet,
ankles, and lower parts of the legs. Leather boots are best. Durable athletic
shoes that cover the ankles are a good second choice. Sandals, sneakers, and
similar footwear should not be used since they provide little protection from
abrasions or a crushing impact. Motorcyclists should avoid dangling laces that
can get in their way.
