MSF Introduces Contract For Safety for Motorcyclists

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has introduced a “Contract for Safety” tool to help prevent motorcycle accidents and encourage all motorcyclists to ride safely and responsibly.

According to the MSF, this contract can serve as a tool, which they hope will foster “communication between prospective motorcyclists and their friends and family members about a safe way forward to motorcycling.

This tool was once only available on Apple’s App Store to those who bought MSF’s Rider Choices iBook.

But now it’s available for free download on the organization’s website, msf-usa.org.

Safety Elements in the Contract

Avoiding motorcycle accidents requires that riders not only be aware of the risks they face in traffic, but also efficiently manage those risks.

With this contract, a motorcyclist will be able to review each of the key elements known to contribute to safety, initial each of those safety elements as they go through the list with a friend or family member, and by signing the document and having a witness countersign it.

This action serves as an affirmation of the motorcyclist’s intent to make wise choices with the goal of reducing crashes.

Here are the safety elements covered by MSF’s contract:

• Be aware of the risks associated with motorcycling.
• Get proper, training, licensing and insurance.
• Wear protective gear such as a well-fitted helmet, leather jacket, long pants and boots.
• Select a motorcycle that is the right size and has the right power for you.
• Maintain the speed limit and drive with due care.
• Do not ride a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Keep the motorcycle in good working condition.
• Be a lifelong learner.

The Importance of Prevention

In 2013, there were 4,668 motorcyclists killed and 88,000 injured in traffic accidents nationwide according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In 2013, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,630 motorcyclists’ lives in 2013, and that 715 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.

In states where there were no universal helmet laws, 59 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2013 were not wearing helmets, as compared to 8 percent in states with universal helmet laws.

As motorcycle accident lawyers, we believe the contract is a great away to reaffirm important safety measures that can save motorcyclists’ lives and prevent catastrophic injuries.

Rider sobriety, training and protection can be critical when it comes to injury prevention.

We urge all motorcyclists to print out a copy of this contract and sign it as a promise to themselves and their family members and friends to be a safe and responsible rider.