Motorcycle Safety Awareness

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month and with the warmer weather and more motorcycles on the road, it's a timely subject to discuss both for motorcyclists and other drivers.

Motorcyclists are entitled to their own space on the road, so it's up to you as a driver to watch out for them.  Give them space.  Remember that it will take longer for your vehicle to stop than their motorcycle. Motorcyclists are small, and sometimes hard to see.  Be observant of how a motorcyclist drives so that you might anticipate what they might do, and be able to respond appropriately.

Motorcyclists are also required to obey the same laws that other vehicle drivers are required to obey.  It's important for a motorcyclist to drive responsibly.  Don't take risks.  All states require a motorcycle license endorsement.  Some require a motorcycle driving course.  Remember to never drive when under the influence of alcohol.

Even before you drive, you should ensure that your motorcycle is road ready.  Check for leaks, and make sure that all of the components are working correctly.  Remind any passengers of safety protocols, such as keeping their feet on the foot rests at all times, holding on to the driver, and leaning with the driver.

Wear the proper attire.  This means a helmet.  Yes it might not look super cool, but it can save your life.  Keep your arms and legs covered, ideally with leather or thick denim.

All of us can contribute to the safety of the roads both for motorcyclists, pedestrians, and all other drivers.  We need to share the road.  We need to watch out for each other, slow down, and be considerate of one other.  If we all do this, we will see safer roads, less accidents, and fewer deaths.

National Ride to Work Day

You've all heard of take your daughter/son to work day, and probably even participated in it.  Have you heard of National Ride to Work Day?

Last month, was Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, and this month, you have the opportunity to practice what you learned.  Every year there are too many deaths caused by motorcycle accidents.  Each one of us can help reduce the fatality numbers by checking our mirrors, and blind spots for motorcyclists, not traveling too close to motorcycles in front of us, and being an overall conscientious driver.  Motorcyclists can also practice some safety habits by wearing protective gear, knowing how your motorcycle works, and practicing safe driving.

June 20th will be this year's National Ride to Work Day.  Motorcyclists will be out on the road, practicing safety habits, and enjoying the beautiful summer weather.  Let's all enjoy the summer together!

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

As the temperature increases and the days become nicer all around, you start seeing more motorcycles on the road.  You'll see every type of motorcyclist out there.  You'll see the scooters, the commuters, the leisurely driver, the guy in leather, the guy with a helmet, and sadly the guy without a helmet.  Unfortunately, you won't always see a motorcyclist and so it's important to take precautions, especially if you are the motorcyclist.

The first step you can take as a motorcyclist is wear the proper gear.  Wear a helmet!  I can't stress this enough!  According to consumer reports, "riders without a helmet are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash and are three times more likely to suffer brain injuries, than those with helmets."  Helmets have come a long way, and are lighter and more comfortable than they once were.  Also, wear protective clothing.

Another step you can take to protect yourself is to take a riding course with a nearby Motorcycle Safety Foundation.  The old adage is "Practice makes Perfect."  Why wouldn't you want to improve on your riding skill to be safe on the road.  There are multiple places you can take a course on riding a motorcycle.  These courses can also assist you in passing the motorcycle licensing test and help you become a more confidant and safe rider.

Watch for road hazards and bad weather.  A motorcycle is so much smaller than a car, that it reacts differently to some road hazards and bad weather.  A car can easily straddle pot holes in the road, but a motorcycle could be damaged and the rider hurt in the process if hit.  Also, be aware of the wind and rain.  Make allowances for unforeseeable mishaps.

As a driver in a car, there are also steps you can take to protect the motorcyclist driving near you.  First, be aware that he/she is there.  Always take time to look in your mirrors, and see those around you.  You are protected by the car, but the motorcyclist, not so much.  Be sure to check your blind spot when you change lanes, and leave enough stopping room when you travel behind.

We are all driving out there together, and it's important that we look out for one another.  If the roles were reversed, we'd want someone else watching our back.