5 Motorcycle Safety Tips

Motorcycle · Originally published August 7, 2015 · Updated November 2026

Riding season in southwest Missouri can stretch from early spring into late fall, and every ride is a chance to build good routines. These five tips focus on what you can do before and during a ride to stack the odds in your favor.

1. Get trained, then keep practicing

A rider training course is one of the best investments you can make, whether you're brand new or getting back on after years away. Courses teach braking, swerving and cornering skills in a controlled setting, and some insurance companies offer a discount for completing an approved course.

Training isn't a one-time thing. Spend time each spring in an empty parking lot practicing hard stops and tight turns before you head out on busy roads. Make sure you also have the right motorcycle license or endorsement before you ride.

2. Dress for the crash, not the ride

It's tempting to ride in a T-shirt on a hot July afternoon near Table Rock Lake. Good gear is what stands between you and the pavement.

• Helmet: Choose one that fits snugly and meets DOT standards. Missouri's helmet law changed in recent years, so check the current rules, but a helmet is your best protection either way.
• Eye protection: A face shield or riding glasses keep bugs, rain and debris out of your eyes.
• Jacket and pants: Abrasion-resistant materials with armor at the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
• Gloves and boots: Full-fingered gloves and over-the-ankle boots.

If your gear is expensive, ask whether your policy covers riding apparel. See custom parts and gear coverage for details.

3. Check the bike before every ride

A quick walk-around catches small problems before they become big ones. Many riders use a simple checklist:

• Tires: pressure and tread
• Controls: levers, cables, throttle return
• Lights: headlight, brake light, turn signals
• Oil and fluids: levels and leaks
• Chain or belt: tension and condition
• Kickstand: springs back and holds

4. Make yourself easy to see

Many crashes happen because a driver didn't notice the motorcycle. You can't control other drivers, but you can make yourself harder to miss.

• Wear bright colors or reflective panels.
• Keep your headlight on.
• Use lane position to stay visible in mirrors.
• Signal early and tap your brake light before slowing.
• Leave extra space so you aren't hidden behind larger vehicles.

The NHTSA motorcycle safety page has more on visibility and sharing the road.

5. Read the road and the weather

Ozarks roads change fast. A sunny morning can turn into a pop-up storm, and a curve that was clean last week can have gravel today.

• Check the forecast and plan an exit if storms roll in.
• Be extra careful in the first rain after a dry spell, when roads can be slick.
• Watch for deer, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Slow down on unfamiliar back roads and in construction zones on I-44 and US-65.

Safety habits lower your risk, but they can't control other drivers. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps protect you if you're hurt by a driver with little or no insurance.

Talk to a local agent

Ready for riding season? Let us review your motorcycle insurance and look for discounts you may qualify for. Call 417.865.4800 or request a quote below.

Common questions

Can a safety course lower my motorcycle insurance?

Many insurance companies offer a discount for completing an approved motorcycle safety course. Your agent can tell you which ones do.

Does motorcycle insurance cover my helmet and jacket?

Some policies include or offer coverage for riding gear, often with a limit. Check your policy or ask your agent.

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