{"id":2477,"date":"2025-10-29T18:09:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T18:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/?p=2477"},"modified":"2025-10-29T18:09:43","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T18:09:43","slug":"safety-tips-new-motorcycle-riders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.southernharvestinsurance.com\/blog\/motorcycle\/safety-tips-new-motorcycle-riders\/","title":{"rendered":"Motorcycle Safety Tips Every New Rider Should Know\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You recently bought your first bike. Congratulations. Here are some of the key points you need to know about motorcycle safety for beginners and <\/span>motorcycle insurance<\/span><\/a> in Georgia so you can ride responsibly and stay safe.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Preparing to Ride: Safety Starts Before the Engine Does<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Safe riding practices begin with the right preparation. Just like your motorcycle insurance protects you financially, other gear is designed to protect you physically. Remember, bikers have a saying: It\u2019s not if, it\u2019s when. You will be out there among people driving larger vehicles who may not pay enough attention to keep you safe.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some motorcycle gear items to put on your list.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Helmet<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to <\/span>Georgia helmet laws<\/span><\/a>, this bit of gear is mandatory for both rider and passenger. Everyone aboard must wear a helmet, but not just any headgear. Your helmet must meet the standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT-approved helmets will have a DOT sticker with the words \u201cFMVSS No. 218 CERTIFIED\u201d and the name of the manufacturer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re shopping online, search for \u201cDOT-certified motorcycle helmets,\u201d or similar.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jacket<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Of course, you need a leather motorcycle jacket because it\u2019s cool, but that\u2019s hardly the only reason. For one thing, you might need a jacket to stay warm when you\u2019re traveling on an open-air ride at 60 miles an hour. But more to the point, you need the protection a quality jacket offers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your motorcycle jacket of leather or some other tough and durable textile should have CE-certified armor embedded into the shoulders, back, and elbows, and should have reinforced stitching. It\u2019s got to be able to add to your safety in the event of a spill.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your jacket should fit snugly so nothing gets in the way when you ride, but not be so tight that you can\u2019t move your arms freely.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t just buy your jacket to make a fashion statement. Feel the material, try it on, and check out the armor points and see how protected you feel.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gloves<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Gloves of leather or similarly rugged material play multiple roles. They should give you a better grip on the handlebars and keep your hands from getting numb in cold temperatures. But their main function is to protect against cuts, abrasions, and impact injuries if you dump your bike. A good pair will have armor at the knuckles and palms and feel indestructible. Try them on to make sure they fit your hands snugly so you\u2019ll be able to operate your bike easily with them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Boots<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Again, functionality is of greater importance than style (though you\u2019ll probably get that, too). Look for armor reinforcing the toe, heel, and shank. You\u2019ll want an oil-resistant heel and a good fit. After all, there are few articles of clothing less comfortable than a poorly-fitting pair of motorcycle boots.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Complete a Motorcycle Certified Course<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not mandatory in the State of Georgia, but it\u2019s an excellent idea to get thoroughly educated on bike safety before you hit the road for the first time.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Georgian motorcyclists have two choices before getting that first Class M motorcycle license. You can complete an official Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) course or pass a road test conducted by the state\u2019s Department of Driver Services (DDS) at any service location.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can <\/span>register for a GMSP course here<\/span><\/a>. Through this state-sanctioned course, you\u2019ll learn how to ride defensively and reduce your risk of a motorcycle accident or injury.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ride Like You\u2019re Invisible<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Bad news: You don\u2019t have much protection on a motorcycle. No seatbelts and likely no airbags. Better news: If you develop a strategy of assuming that other motorists don\u2019t see you \u2014 you\u2019re virtually invisible to them \u2014 it will help you maintain a safety-first attitude at the throttle.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll watch out for on your \u201cghost rides.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Blind Spots<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Assume that drivers in the right-hand lane can\u2019t see you as you pass them on the left, and might sideswipe you in switching lanes. Always know what\u2019s ahead of that other driver so you can better predict their actions. For instance, if they\u2019re quickly approaching a vehicle ahead of them in the same lane, they might choose that moment to pass.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By assuming you\u2019re in everyone\u2019s blind spot, you\u2019ll be prepared for any action that might put you at risk.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Car Driver Behavior<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

A drunk or careless driver might result in a fender bender if you\u2019re driving another car. If you\u2019re on a bike, the outcome could be much worse. That\u2019s why you must always be on the lookout for motorists driving carelessly or erratically.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not always about being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A motorist messing with a phone or being distracted by kids or other passengers can be just as dangerous if they don\u2019t see you or react as they should. For that reason, you must always be on guard for drivers traveling too fast or slow, drifting in and out of lanes, exhibiting road rage symptoms, or otherwise posing a threat to you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Head-On Positioning<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is a rider technique. You\u2019re literally leading your bike with your head (and eyes). Position your gaze where you want to go. Look at the horizon as you make a turn rather than at the street or road surface. As you get comfortable with head-on positioning, your bike will go where your head is positioned.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Safe Following Distance<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Once again, tapping the back bumper of another car or truck when you\u2019re in a similar vehicle might just cause a little damage. Do the same when you\u2019re on a bike, and it could be fatal. That\u2019s why you must always maintain a safe distance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Observe the four-second rule. That means, at highway speed, watching the vehicle ahead of you pass a landmark \u2014 a parked car, a building, or a sign will do \u2014 and make sure you don\u2019t pass that same landmark until you\u2019ve counted off at least four seconds. That\u2019s a safe following distance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make Sure You\u2019re Properly Insured<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

This is critical for at least two reasons. <\/span>It\u2019s the law in Georgia<\/span><\/a>, and it will protect your wallet if you have the right coverage.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The state mandates that all registered motorcyclists must have at least liability coverage. This offers financial protection against the property damage and legal actions of third parties if you\u2019re responsible for an accident. As for your own bike, liability won\u2019t cover it. If you total your ride or sustain thousands of dollars in damages, that comes out of your own wallet. If you can\u2019t afford it, you\u2019re on foot or traveling by car until you can kickstart again.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A much less risky move is to get full coverage. This includes collision and comprehensive benefits. Collision is pretty much what it sounds like. You can use it to fix or replace your ride after an at-fault collision, up to your coverage limits and minus your deductible.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Comprehensive covers all of the countless other ways your bike might be lost or damaged. That can include everything from theft or vandalism to a fire torching your garage or storage site, or your bike hitting road hazards, or getting swept away in a sudden hurricane or windstorm.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your deductible is the amount you agree to pay before your coverage kicks in. If you have a $500 deductible on a $1,500 damage claim, your insurer will reimburse you $1,000, and you\u2019ll be responsible for that $500 portion.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The higher your deductible, the more you\u2019ll pay out of pocket \u2014 but the lower your insurance premiums will be. Discuss this with your motorcycle insurance agent to arrive at the sweet spot between deductible and premium that\u2019s right for you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your coverage limit is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay. It\u2019s based on the value of your bike and what you want to pay in premiums.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Ride Safer With the Right Insurance. Get a Free Motorcycle Insurance Quote Today! <\/h2>\n\n
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Bring your independent motorcycle agent from Southern Harvest into the conversation about deductibles, coverage limits, and other details. As independent brokers, Southern Harvest agents have contractual relationships with multiple insurers. As a result, they\u2019re not limited to one brand. They can go shopping on your behalf for the best coverage at the most affordable rates.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your highly qualified agent can also share <\/span>additional tips for new motorcycle riders<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To get the conversation started, simply call us at <\/span>(877) 831-4677<\/span><\/a>. Or <\/span>get a quick quote online<\/span><\/a>. You can also visit a nearby <\/span>Southern Harvest office location<\/span><\/a> and meet with your agent in person about the details of motorcycle insurance in Georgia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FAQs<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

For more beginner motorcycle riding tips, here are answers to a few of the more common questions that new Georgia bikers might wonder about.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Best Motorcycle for a Beginner?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

A ride with a smaller engine, because it will be easier for the inexperienced rider to control. This points toward bikes in the 250cc to 400cc engine size range.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Motorcycle Insurance Required in Georgia?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Yes, it\u2019s mandatory for riders to have at least liability coverage. Liability covers damages to other parties if you\u2019re at fault for an accident. But it doesn\u2019t cover damage to your own bike. For this, you need to add collision and comprehensive coverage.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is the 4-Second Rule for Riders?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

It means keeping that distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you at all times while at highway speeds. To measure the appropriate distance, pick a road landmark, such as a sign or structure on the side of the road, and start counting as soon as the vehicle ahead passes it. Your bike shouldn\u2019t pass that same landmark until a four-second count. If your distance is less, slow down. You need to maintain this spacing so your reflexes can respond to the unexpected.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n