SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

When the weather gets warmer, it’s time to bring out the summer toys—motorcycles, boats, and RVs. Before hitting the road (or water), know these important safety tips and make sure you’re insured for whatever comes your way.

Maximize Motorcycle Safety

Motorcyclists are six times more likely to be injured and 27 times more likely to be killed than car occupants, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All drivers can share the road safely with the following tips:

For Motorcyclists:

• Check tire pressure and tread depth. Make sure brakes, headlights, and signal indicators are in working order.
• Always ride with a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
• Wear other protective gear, such as motorcycle gloves, jacket, and pants. Keep your lights on, wear bright colors, and use reflective tape—even during the daytime.
• Position yourself in the lane where drivers can see you.
• Follow traffic laws, always use turn signals, and combine hand signals with turn signals when you can to make your intentions even more clear.
• Never ride impaired.

For Drivers:

• Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcyclists before entering or leaving lanes of traffic and at intersections.
• Signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic, and allow enough time to determine a motorcyclist's intention before you proceed.
• Increase following distance behind motorcycles and provide enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

Best Boating Practices

Here are a few tips to help make sure your days on the water are safe and fun:

• Take boating safety instruction and get a nationally approved boating safety education certificate. Seven out of 10 boating incidents are caused by operator error.
• Wear a life jacket—always.
• Don’t drink for the same reasons you don’t drink and drive on land.
• Check the weather before you go and keep an eye on it while you’re on the water. Weather can go from delightful to dangerous quickly. So stay safe and get off the water quickly if you see bad weather approaching.

A common misconception boat owners have is that their boat, trailer, and onboard items are automatically covered, either by an existing homeowner’s insurance policy or auto insurance policy. The truth is that most homeowner or auto policies don't cover physical damage, liability, or theft when your boat's on the water.

Whether on your boat, motorcycle, RV, motor home, ATV or any other recreational vehicle, make sure you have a clear understanding of when and where you’re covered—and where you may need additional protection.

Questions? Our experienced AAA Insurance Agents* are happy to help you review your policies and make sure you have the right coverage for your needs. For more information, visit us online or stop by your local AAA Store.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. AAA does not provide financial advisory services and does not guarantee any particular outcome.

*Insurance products sold through AAA Club Alliance Inc. and its subsidiaries are underwritten by various insurance providers including CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer. All policies are subject to policy terms, underwriting guidelines and applicable laws. Applicants may not qualify for all coverages, benefits and discounts.