There were 27 motorcycle fatalities in 2017 according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Proper protection and education could help save lives, and experts said some of these skills can be learned in a motorcycle safety course.
“It contains about five hours of classroom and 10 hours of range instruction,” said Erin Howard with the Nebraska Safety Center in Kearney.
Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified Instructors cover topics like risk management, riding techniques, fundamental skills and proper attire.
“A few of those are over the ankle foot wear, long non-flare pants and jeans preferred, full finger gloves, preferably leather, long sleeve shirts, jackets, eye protection and also a DOT approved motorcycle helmet,” said Howard.
“We believe that protecting that head, skull, the brain the whole thing is really the most important thing so I believe a helmet is the number one gear that you need to buy when you’re out on the road," said Tracy Dethlefs-Rademacher, trauma outreach coordinator with CHI Health Good Samaritan.
It's something that's required here in Nebraska. These experts said it’s also important to know the weather.
“Plan ahead," said Dethlefs-Rademacher. "Are we going to have rain that could make that road slick or high winds? Really kind of research your day before you get out on the roads to make sure its safe for everybody.”
After completing a rider safety class, class leaders said participants qualify for the M license endorsement which the DMV website said is required to operate a motorcycle on highways in Nebraska.
“You can take our course if you’re 16, you would just have to have permission from a parent," said Howard. "However, you have to be 18 to add the M endorsement to your license."
When purchasing a bike experts said keep size in mind.
"Make sure that it fits you so that you can get your feet planted firmly on the ground and feel like you have good control over the size and the weight of that bike because you need to be able to control that out on the highway," said Dethlefs-Rademacher.
Finally, they said it’s important to remember, safety is not just the bikers' responsibility, all drivers on the road need to be aware.
“Always check your blind spots because sometimes those motorcycles can be hidden or easily disappear when you’re out there and just be extra cautious when you’re passing a rider as well,” said Howard.
Information on the Biker Safety Course at UNK can be found here. Information on the NPCC course can be found here.