Keep the Shiny Side Up, Keep the Dirty Side Down

Allstate Offers Safety Tips As Motorcycle Season Nears

By Jeffrey Long, Allstate Exclusive Agent

The rumble of the engine. The snap of the wind. The call of the blacktop. Motorcycle season is right around the corner, and with it comes the annual reminder to stay safe while enjoying the freedom only riding can provide.

According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the number of motorcycle fatalities rose each year in the decade from 1998 (2,294 deaths) through 2007 (5,154 deaths). Connecticut accounted for 36 of those deaths, the 2nd highest total in New England.

The 2007 national numbers represent a nearly 113% jump in fatalities over that 10-year period, and represent the highest fatality total since 1975. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 12.6% of all U.S. motor vehicle traffic crash fatalities in 2007, up from 5.5% in 1998.

The data also showed that from 2006 to 2007, fatalities increased across all age groups.  Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the fatally injured motorcyclists in 2007 were not wearing helmets in States without universal helmet laws.

“Motorcycle enthusiasts can’t wait to take their bike out of the garage when warmer weather returns,” says Allstate agent Jeffrey Long. “But before riding season begins, it’s important to remember that safety starts at home, not on the highway.”

To ensure bikers enjoy the freedom of the open road for many years to come, Allstate recommends the following motorcycle preparedness safety tips:

• Test your lights, brakes, turn signals and horn

• Check the oil and fuel levels

• Check tires for any punctures or slick spots

• Make sure your mirrors are positioned correctly

• Make sure your cables are not worn or frayed

• Lubricate and adjust the chain as recommended by the manufacturer

• Inspect your safety clothing; including helmets, suits, jackets and gloves

Before riders hit the highways, we encourage them to visit their local Allstate agent for a free Good Hands Coverage Checkup. Allstate’s motorcycle policies – and extended coverages for custom bells and whistles – are designed with a biker’s needs in mind. Allstate recommends the following coverages:

• Liability Coverage: Typically helps protect you for damages to others if you’re at fault in a covered accident

• Guest Passenger Liability Coverage: Typically helps protect you for bodily injury to a passenger on your motorcycle, if you’re at fault in a covered accident

• Medical Payments Coverage: Typically provides payment for reasonable and necessary medical treatment for you or another insured person after a covered accident

• Underinsured/Uninsured Motorists Coverage:  Typically protects you for covered damage caused by drivers who don’t have insurance or don’t carry enough insurance

For more information on all things motorcycle, please contact Allstate Exclusive Agent Jeffrey Long at (203) 855-8444 or visit his office at 94 East Avenue in Norwalk, CT. You can also visit www.allstategarage.com. This fun, interactive site offers a range of activities from “building” your own custom bike to mapping out the best course for a cross-country journey.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,800 exclusive agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.