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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

The Smartest Twenty Utah Scooter Riding Safety Tips

By Steve Smith


I think everybody can agree scooters are the best! They're fast, fuel-efficient, straightforward to use machines that speed you around the town in fun and style. Scooters and mopeds also allow you to zip around town and get the very best parking spots! It's not any surprise these babies have been able to pry younger teens and adults off the TV and into the unpolluted air. Scooters can make you explode into life and be physically active again.

Now, with the ever-growing rate of scooters on the road comes the increased need to be safe on the road. These are some easy-to-follow tips for Utah Scooter safety:





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 1: No earphones


This one is becoming more and more common. Earphones take away a lot of your ability to understand what is happening around you. When music is blasting in your ears, you miss out on: the sounds of cars around you, the honking of horns, the police sirens and the cat calls from people as you go by because you look so good on your scooter. Turn off your music when riding your scooter, it's much safer.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 2: Always wear protective clothing, a helmet, and eye protection


This is a minute investment and it can eliminate up to two-thirds of possible scooter accidents and injuries. Remember, more clothes means more padding, and long sleeves shirts and pants means less road rash - particularly if you're wearing leather. Additionally, consider boots and gloves to be far more shielded from wounds. At an effective minimum, wear shoes rather than sandals or flip flops. Remember to make certain your helmet is DOT approved. The protective eye-ware is vital. If you are riding at night, make sure you have glasses for these conditions as well as daytime riding.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 3: Do not wear loose clothing or things that could catch on control levers, foot rests, or tires


It is always possible to take off style items, put them under your seat or in a scooter compartment, and put them back on when you stop.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 4: Always observe and obey the rules of the road


Riding a scooter can often feel a bit like you're on a toy and road rules do not apply to you. Well, they do, and you can cause lots of damage to you and someone else with the amount of power under your seat. A police officer will treat you just like a car - so act like one and follow the rules of the road.

Remember, all scooters must be properly registered to operate on a public street or road. And, all scooters and mopeds operated on the streets and highways must have liability insurance.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 5: Avoid night riding


Although your scooter is intended to ride in the dark, it's much safer to ride in the daytime. You are seen a lot easier by other drivers and random bumps and dips will not be as sure to catch you off guard and result in injury. Whenever it's possible, avoid the nighttime rides.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 6: Never ride under the influence


This one is pretty obvious, but riding a scooter demands that you have balance - being drunk gets shot of that balance. Additionally , a quick reply is needed at all points. Remember, a policeman can and will most probably punish you to the full extent if you're riding under the influence. Not to mention, it is highly likely you will be getting in an accident where you might hurt yourself and others. Plain and simple, don't ride under the influence.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 7: Finish a written and riding test


Many accidents involve inexperienced riders. Dependent on the type of scooter you have, Utah requires your motorcycle endorsement on your license, which involves a special riding test or license. Ensure you are qualified before you ride. Never lend your scooter to an inexperienced rider.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 8: Always be apparent to other drivers


Many scooter accidents occur because the automobile driver doesn't see the rider. This is your task to be seen at all points to avoid crashes. This can be done by: wearing bright and reflective gear, never riding in blind spots, when a driver is pulling out in front of you ensure they look at you (if they do not notice you, slow down and let them pass and be happy to give them a hand gesture of your choice), obey all Fed., state and local laws and rules.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 9: Be conscious of traffic coming from behind


Because of the likely speed difference between the other traffic and your scooter, use. Caution and test your mirrors frequently - each 10-30 seconds in urban areas. Remember, mirrors allow only a partial view to your rear. There are blind spots. Be conscious of where they are , and check them often.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 10: Always signal when turning


Because it's tougher for a driver to determine if you are turning, you should signal with your electrical turn signal on your scooter, and when acceptable, with your hands. Indicate you are turning 3-5 seconds before turning, this will give drivers behind you adequate to to make preparations for your turn.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 11: Keep both hand on the handle bars and both feet on the floor or pegs


This position keeps you balanced. Anything different can make you lose control and crash. Balance is essential for riding safety.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 12: Reduce your speed over bumps and holes in the road


These risks could cause loss of control or damage to you and your scooter. Your tires can blow out as well. Drive at speeds that give you enough time to adjust for the road conditions you are riding on.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 13: Do not drive onto interstate freeways


Scooters and mopeds aren't typically built to handle expressway conditions and the danger is too high for you to chance it.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 14: Only ride in the left traffic lane when you are passing, gearing up for a left turn, or avoiding a danger, animal, or pedestrian in your way


The left traffic lane is known to have the most unsafe drivers and it's where lots of speeding occurs. Stay clear of the left traffic lane as much as your are able to. Pull back over to the right lane as quickly as you safely can.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 15: Ensure your 2nd rider and the load you are carrying stay focused and balanced at all times


Some scooters can carry a passenger, and some are not built for that. Ensure you know the difference for your scooter. Frequently a good indicator is if there are pegs positioned for a second rider. Before taking a passenger on your scooter, make sure it has got a back rest and foot pegs for a second rider. If your scooter is set to carry 2, confirm your passenger stays targeted and isn't shifting back and forth while you are riding. This shifting forwards and backwards can make you loose control and crash. Don't forget to keep any load stable, centered, and balanced too.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 16: Look out for gravel on the road and avoid if at all possible


Gravel on the road causes your scooter to loose control, slide out, lay down, and crash. It's much like attempting to walk on a bunch of marbles. Keep your eyes open for gravel on the road. Do your utmost to avoid turns and stops in gravel areas. This is typically what causes the crash. If gravel is inescapable, drive as straight as feasible and avoid locking the brakes. Slow down evenly and as much as practical.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 17: Never speed


It may be captivating to put the pedal to the metal, but you are taking a huge risk because other drivers and pedestrians will have a harder time seeing you and gauging how fast you are going if you are speeding. It's tempting, I know. A good rule of thumb, is to never drive at speeds that cause you to feel unsafe.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 18: Never leave your engine running unwatched


This one appears obvious, however it occurs all of the time. It makes your scooter too tempting to steal by folks walking by.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 19: Never ride dehydrated or exhausted


You are much more likely to have more accidents if your body is drained and exhausted. Riding can be exhausting. Make sure you're fit for it. It is also smart to always have some water and a snack in your storage compartments in the event of emergencies.





Utah Scooter Safety Tip 20: Make sure your scooter is in safe condition


Occasionally check and make sure your bolts, hinges and joints are nice and tight. Stop using your scooter instantly if any joint, hinges or bolts are not working correctly. Correct the issue and then continue having a great time. Give it oil changes frequently and make sure the brakes are always tight.

Utah scooter safety is serious business. But if you follow these 20 Tips, you will be safe and secure and prepared to ride!




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