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Motorcycle Safety Course from the MSF, discounts your insurance, explains what the course is about, the amount of the discounts and how the course pertains to a motorcycle license.

The "Basic Rider Course" is a 3 day class to teach the basics of motorcycling to beginner riders. There is also, the "Experienced Rider Course" for those riders who already have license and the MSF Dirt Bike School for off-road riders. These courses are not to be confused with the Defensive Driving Course pertaining to automobiles.

Motorcycle insurance companies offer up to a 10% discount per year for the next 3 years, for the successful completion of the Basic or Experienced Motorcycle Safety Course.

To attain a motorcycle license, one must pass a written test and driving test. The Department of Motor Vehicles considers the successful completion of the Motorcycle Safety Course, as a replacement for their driving test.

A Plus Rider - Arlington, Baytown, Bedford, Burleson, Cresson, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Irving, Magnolia, Mesquite, Mexia, Waco

Awesome Cycles Motorcycle Safety Course - Houston, TX

ASI Abilene Safety Instruction - Abilene, TX

HTR How To Ride Motorcycle Training - Beaumont, TX

Moto-Ed Motorcycle Safety Course - Fort Worth, TX

MotoFun Motorcycle Safety Course - Austin & Pflugerville, TX

MSI Motorcycle Safety Instruction - Denton, Flower Mound & Southlake, TX

MSF Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Motorcycle Training Center - Bedford, Greenville, Irving, Lubbock, Midland, Plano, Rosenburg, Mesquite

SCS Safe Cycling School - Sherman, TX

Riders Edge - See your local Harley Dealer

Rider Course Motorcycle Safety Course - Dallas & Fort Worth, TX

SMT Southwest Motorcycle Training - San Antonio & San Angelo, TX

Texas Rider - Arlington, Irving

TMS The Motorcycle School - San Antonio & Victoria, TX

Total Rider Motorcycle Safety Course - Hutto & Killeen, TX

Wheels in Motion - Motorcycle safety through training and knowledge.

Motorcycle Safety:
There are over 4 million motorcycles registered in the United States. The popularity of this mode of transportation is attributed to the low initial cost of a motorcycle, its use as a pleasure vehicle and, for some models, the good fuel efficiency. Motorcycle fatalities represent approximately five percent of all highway fatalities each year, yet motorcycles represent just two percent of all registered vehicles in the United States. One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection in a crash. For example, approximately 80 percent of reported motor- cycle crashes result in injury or death; a comparable figure for automobiles is about 20 percent. An automobile has more weight and bulk than a motorcycle. It has door beams and a roof to provide some measure of protection from impact or rollover. It has cushioning and airbags to soften impact and safety belts to hold passengers in their seats. It has windshield washers and wipers to assist visibility in the rain and snow. An automobile has more stability because it's on four wheels, and because of its size, it is easier to see. A motorcycle suffers in comparison when considering vehicle characteristics that directly contribute to occupant safety. What a motorcycle sacrifices in weight, bulk, and other crashworthiness characteristics is somewhat offset by its agility, maneuverability, ability to stop quickly, and ability to swerve quickly when necessary.

A motorcyclist should attend a motorcycle rider-training course to learn how to safely and skillfully operate a motorcycle. A motorcyclist has to be more careful and aware at intersections, where most motorcycle -vehicle collisions occur. Motorcyclists must remain visible to other motorists at all times. Don't ride in a car's "No Zone" (blind spot). Anticipate what may happen more than other vehicle drivers may. For example, anticipate that drivers backing their cars out of driveways may not see you; and place greater emphasis on defensive driving. Motorcyclists also must be more cautious when riding in inclement weather, on slippery surfaces, or when encountering obstacles on the roadway. They must place greater reliance on their helmet, eye protection and clothing to increase riding comfort and to reduce the severity of injury should they become involved in a crash. Approximately half of all fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. A motorcycle requires more skill and coordination to operate than a car. Riding a motorcycle while under the influence of any amount of alcohol significantly decreases an operator's ability to operate the motorcycle safely. An estimated 33 percent of motorcycle operators killed in traffic crashes are not licensed or are improperly licensed to operate a motorcycle. By not obtaining a motorcycle operator license, riders are bypassing the only method they and state licensing agencies have to ensure they have the knowledge and skill needed to safely and skillfully operate a motorcycle.

The causes of many motorcycle crashes can be attributed to: lack of basic riding skills, failure to appreciate the inherent operating characteristics, failure to appreciate the limitations of the motorcycle, failure to use special precautions while riding, failure to use defensive driving techniques, lack of specific braking and cornering skills and failure to follow speed limit.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT:
Studies show that the head, arms and legs are most often injured in a crash. Protective clothing and equipment serve a three-fold purpose for motorcyclists: comfort and protection from the elements; some measure of injury protection; and through use of color or reflective material, a means for other motorists to see the motorcyclist.

Helmet:
This is the most important piece of equipment. Safety helmets save lives by reducing the extent of head injuries in the event of a crash. Many good helmets are available. Make sure it fits comfortably and snugly, and is fastened for the ride. In choosing a helmet, look for the DOT label on the helmet. The DOT label on helmets constitutes the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the federal standard. In many states, use of a helmet is required by law. Passengers should also wear a helmet.

Eye Protection: Since many motorcycles don't have windshields, riders must protect their eyes against insects, dirt, rocks or other airborne matter. Even the wind can cause the eyes to tear and blur vision, and good vision is imperative when riding. Choose good quality goggles, glasses with plastic or safety lenses, or a helmet equipped with a face shield. Goggles, glasses, and face shields should be scratch free, shatter proof, and well ventilated to prevent fog buildup. Only clear shields should be used at night since tinted shields reduce contrast and make it more difficult to see. Even if your motorcycle has a windshield, eye protection is recommended.

Jackets and Trousers: Clothing worn when riding a motorcycle should provide some measure of protection from abrasion in the event of a spill. These should be of durable material (e.g., special synthetic material or leather). Jackets should have long sleeves. Trousers (not shorts) should not be baggy or flared at the bottom to prevent entanglement with the chain, kick starter, foot- pegs, or other protrusions on the sides of a motorcycle. Gloves:
Durable gloves are recommended. They should be of the non-slip type to permit a firm grip on the controls. Leather gloves are excellent, as are special fabric gloves with leather palms and grip strips on the fingers. Gauntlet-type gloves keep air out of the rider's sleeves. Appropriate gloves are available for all types of weather.

Gloves:
Durable gloves are recommended. They should be of the non-slip type to permit a firm grip on the controls. Leather gloves are excellent, as are special fabric gloves with leather palms and grip strips on the fingers. Gauntlet-type gloves keep air out of the rider's sleeves. Appropriate gloves are available for all types of weather.

Footwear:
Proper footwear affords protection for the feet, ankles, and lower parts of the legs. Leather boots are best. Durable athletic shoes that cover the ankles are a good second choice. Sandals, sneakers, and similar footwear should not be used since they provide little protection from abrasion or a crushing impact. Avoid dangling laces that can get in the way.

Note: Upper body clothing should be brightly colored. Some riders wear lightweight reflective orange or yellow vests over their jackets. Retro-reflective material used on clothing, helmet, and the motorcycle helps to make the rider visible to other motorists, especially at night. A high percentage of car-vehicle crashes occur because the driver of the other vehicle "failed to see the rider in time to avoid the crash."