Tag Archives: road

10 steps to secure your ride

You wear a helmet and pay attention to the road while driving your motorcycle, but when it’s time to hop off for the day, how much care do you take to keep it protected? Severe weather, theft, and unkept sheds and garages can all threaten its well-being while it’s not being driven. Here are some ideas to keep your motorcycle safe and secure while it waits for the next adventure.

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For informational purposes only and may not be applicable to all situations.

7 tire safety tips for a smooth ride

“Where the rubber meets the road” is more than just an expression. Enjoyable and safe motorcycling is a partnership between how well your tires grip the road and your skill as a driver. Follow these 7 tire safety tips for a smooth ride:

  1. Start Off Slow: Ride slowly for a few miles to let the tires warm up before accelerating and cornering normally. This is especially important in the spring and fall when morning temperatures can be much cooler than in the afternoon.
  2. Road Conditions: An older road with a worn finish or one covered with leaves, water, or dirt gives less traction regardless of the tires’ condition. Use caution when driving on unmaintained roadways.
  3. Keep an Eye on Inflation: Overinflated tires have less road traction and amplify the effects of poor road conditions. Underinflated tires will make your motorcycle feel unstable. 
  4. Check Tire Pressure: Tire pressure should be checked weekly, if not before every ride. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s specs. A true pressure reading is especially important in hot and cold weather as temperatures could affect your tire pressure readings!
  5. Pressures May Vary: Tire pressure isn’t one-size fits all. The recommended tire pressure may be different if you’re carrying a passenger or cargo. Remember to factor in the weight of any added accessories such as a cargo bag or items packed in the saddlebags.
  6. Examine the Tires: Regularly check your tires’ wear, including wear bars and tread depth. Worn out tires can quickly lose traction. Plus, look for cuts, cracks, and embedded stones or nails which are cause for replacement.
  7. New Tires Beware: New tires can be slick! Take extra care until your tires are sufficiently broken in, which maximizes your traction.

Get to know your tires. Just like your helmet, they’re essential safety equipment!

For informational purposes only and may not be applicable to all situations.

7 golf cart safety tips

They’re not just for golf anymore! Golf carts can be found everywhere from retirement communities to college campuses. Some states have even passed laws allowing them to putter down public streets. But despite their lower speed, golf carts are legitimate vehicles that demand safe driving. Check out these 7 safety tips before you hit the road or the course.

  1. Check Licensing Requirements: Do you need a driver’s license to drive a golf cart? It depends on where you live. Find out what’s required in your state before getting behind the wheel.
  2. Stay Inside: Those open sides may be tempting but it’s important to keep all arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times, except when signaling. 
  3. Signal Turns Manually: Golf cart turn signals are small and hard to see. Always use hand signals to indicate you intent to turn.
  4. Don’t Overcrowd: Only carry the number of permissible passengers, which will typically be the number that you have seats and seatbelts for. No one should be sitting on the floor or someone’s lap.
  5. Yield to Pedestrians: Just like when you’re in a car, pedestrians have the right of way. Be sure to follow all the rules of the road and stop and let them cross before carrying on with your drive.
  6. Stay Sober: Alcohol can seriously impede your ability to safely operate any vehicle, including golf carts. Depending on your state, you could even receive a DUI for driving a golf cart under the influence.
  7. Consider Insurance: Golf cart insurance isn’t just a good idea for accidents, in some states it’s mandatory. Talk to your insurance agent about golf cart insurance.

For informational purposes only and may not be applicable to all situations.

Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, underwriting review and approval, and may vary or not be available for all risks or in all states. Rates and discounts vary, are determined by many factors, and are subject to change. Policies are written by one of the licensed insurers of American Modern Insurance Group, Inc., including but not limited to American Modern Property and Casualty Insurance Company (CA Lic. No. 6129-1.)