Motorcycle Safety
Spring is here in full force, birds have returned from their southern trip, and are waking me up early in the morning, more people are outside walking and running, baseball fields are abuzz with activity, the weather is a little crazy, and of course, more and more motorcycles are on the streets and highways.
This time of year is always good for some reminders about motorcycle safety for bikers and car drivers alike. Just as car and truck drivers must get readjusted every winter to driving in snow—in the spring they must readjust to sharing the road with motorcycles. Of course bike riders also go through a period of adjustment early in riding season when they are anxious to hop back on their bike.
For Bikers
1. Make sure you or anyone else who drives your motorcycle has a valid license. Too many bike riders out there are not properly licensed. Also, get proper insurance coverage—the costs vary quite a bit, so do some shopping around.
2. While my personal belief is that everyone should wear helmets while riding, I understand it’s a personal choice in some states. Know the requirements and laws in your state, and also in other states you may be traveling to, or through.
3. Obey the speed limit. Ok, let’s face it, its fun to drive fast, but for the sake of safety, stick to the posted speed limits. Often times car and truck drivers can become nervous when sharing the road with motorcycle riders, so drive smart and drive safe. Keep the proper spacing between vehicles—three seconds behind cars on the highway, two seconds on roads where the speed limit is 45 or below. Also, always position your bike where it can be seen by vehicles.
4. Don’t drink and ride. Really, did that even have to be mentioned? Sadly yes, in Illinois in 2007, 44% of the motorcycle operators killed in accidents were legally drunk.
5. Keep up with the maintenance on your bike. Faithfully follow your motorcycle’s maintenance schedule as listed in the owner’s manual. Furthermore, you should have all this work done by an authorized dealer to prevent potential problems.
For Car/Truck Driver
1. When you see motorcycles on the highway or streets, be aware. Understand that since they are smaller vehicles, they are harder to see at times, so be vigilant in looking out for them.
2. You need to realize that bikers don’t always slow down by using their brakes. Sometimes they downshift, or just ease off the throttle, so it’s imperative that you keep focused on maintaining the spacing between vehicles.
3. Understand that motorcyclists have the same rights as you do to be on the road—respect that.
4. When bikers adjust their position within lanes, they are usually doing it for a reason, whether it is to be seen more easily, to avoid debris on the road, to pass cars, or due to wind conditions. Car and truck drivers need to understand that these movements are not reckless, nor are they making room for you to share a lane with them.
Hopefully by following these guidelines, and giving some thought and attention to safety on the roads, we will all have an enjoyable and safe riding season.