With the warm weather here, many law enforcement officers are abandoning their confining patrol cars and opting to ride around on motorcycles instead. Of course, using a different type of vehicle creates a whole new series of potential risks. Follow these safety tips to ensure you are prepared to put safety first while you’re out on the road.
- Only ride to your comfort level – if you aren’t comfortable engaging in a high speed chase while on your bike, don’t! Let the officers in patrol cars engage in the chase, and focus on your own safety while helping with the case.
- Wear protective gear – don’t skip the protective gear. A helmet keeps your head safe, and long pants and sleeves reduce the likelihood of road rash or other similar injuries. Plus, you set a good example for other members of the community, and that may encourage them to wear their safety gear regardless of what state or municipal laws dictate.
- Be careful when setting up speed traps – when you are using a motorbike, you don’t have the benefit of positioning your patrol car in such a way that it barricades you safely from traffic. When out with a bike, you are more or less exposed. Proceed with caution and put your safety first.