More motorcycle riders are hitting the streets as the weather warms up, and the Iowa Department of Transportation is advising them to "Ride proud, dress loud." Toni Kerkove in the D.O.T.’s office of driver services, says the idea is to where clothing that will get you noticed when you’re riding your motorcycle.
She says it’s for motorcyclists as well as motorists because if the motorcycle drivers can become more conspicuous in traffic, both will benefit. Kerkove says there are plenty of ways to make yourself more visible on the two wheeler.
Kerkove says there are a number of different fabrics, including the fluorescent green, or material with fluorescent striping, and there are vests that you can wear that won’t make you feel too warm.
You can also put fluorescent striping on your helmet. While some riders might think a yellow vest doesn’t make them look cool while riding — Kerkove says it beats the alternative of being hit. She says it’s more important to get home safely than to be fashionable.
And Kerkove says there are a lot of highly visible clothing items that still look good and provide you with extra protection. Kerkove says making yourself more visible is just one part of safe riding.
Kerkove says people just starting to ride, or getting back into riding, should take the motorcycle safety course as it will teach you ways to ride to be better seen, and ways to avoid accidents. Kerkove says people in cars also need to keep their eyes open and be aware of motorcycles to avoid accidents.