Most riders don't crash because of one big mistake. They crash because small habits stacked up on the wrong day.
Motorcycle · Originally published March 10, 2015 · Updated November 2026
Experienced riders can pick up habits that feel harmless because nothing bad has happened yet. On a motorcycle, the margin for error is thin, and habits are what you fall back on when a car pulls out or a curve tightens. Here are the ones worth breaking, and what to do instead.
Sitting in a car's blind spot, hanging directly behind a pickup, or hugging the shoulder all make you harder to notice. Drivers are looking for cars, and a motorcycle in a bad spot can disappear behind a mirror post.
Tailgating takes away the time you need to react to debris, potholes or sudden braking. On I-44 and US-65, traffic can go from highway speed to a stop with little warning, especially near Springfield and Joplin interchanges. Leave more space than you would in a car so you have time to see, decide and brake smoothly.
Ozarks back roads are a big reason people ride here, and they are also where overconfidence shows up. Gravel in the apex, a blind crest or a tighter-than-expected bend can catch you if you come in hot.
Fatigue, phone notifications, and alcohol or drugs all slow reaction time and cloud judgment. On a bike, slower reactions matter more because you have less protection. If you're worn out, stop and rest. If you've been drinking, don't ride. A DWI on a motorcycle carries the same consequences as one in a car, including possible license action and higher insurance costs.
Riding in shorts on a "quick trip," ignoring tire wear, or putting off a brake check are habits that tend to catch up with you. A short pre-ride look at tires, lights, controls and chain or belt takes a few minutes. Good gear doesn't prevent a crash, but it can change how badly you're hurt. Missouri's helmet rules changed in recent years, so check the current law before you ride without one, and remember a helmet is still your best protection. If you invest in quality gear or accessories, check that your policy covers them; our article on custom parts and gear coverage explains how.
Plenty of motorcycle crashes involve a driver who simply didn't see the rider. Ride as if you're invisible. Watch for cars waiting to turn, cover your brake near intersections and driveways, and be ready to act. Left-turning cars at intersections and driveways are a classic example.
It also helps to think about what happens if that driver has no insurance or too little. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for motorcycles can help pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver can't.
Good habits lower your risk; the right motorcycle insurance protects you when something still goes wrong. Call 417.865.4800 or request a quote below to review your coverage with an agent in Springfield or Joplin.
Some insurance companies offer a discount for completing an approved motorcycle safety course. Ask your agent which carriers do and what proof they need.
Moving violations go on your driving record, and insurers generally look at your whole record when pricing any vehicle you insure.
No. Missouri's 0.08 BAC limit and DWI consequences apply whether you're driving a car or riding a motorcycle.
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