Safety concerns for motorcycle riders

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- With better weather more motorcyclists hit the roads, and riders need to make sure their equipment is safe.

May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

When it comes to the equipment, Bob Paolella of Brothers Harley-Davidson in Branford says riders should always check the battery.

"If the battery is not in good condition you're not gonna start," he said.

He also says not to overlook the tires, gas and oil. "Look around the motorcycle. Make sure that there is nothing that's leaking, nothing that's visible that's gonna say 'I'm not gonna have a good time today out there'."

As for the tires, there's only two of them so tire inflation is "critical" for good handling and riding. Paolella said. "Check for cracks, dry rot, tire wear -- you need to know the tread depth. Again, there's only two of them."

Attorney Carter Mario, who handles injury cases and is a motorcycle rider himself, says there are three things be aware of for safe and legal riding:

• Riders are required to wear a helmet if under the age of 18 or have a permit
• Riders are also required to wear eye protection
• Headlights always need to be turned on

Link: Brothers' Harley-Davidson www.brothersharley.com
Link: Carter Mario www.cartermario.com