ALT-3 Motorcycle Safety
In the current economic environment, many folks are choosing to divest themselves of their gas-guzzling SUV or pick-up truck in favor of smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Others have chosen to purchase motorcycles for even greater fuel economy. If you are one of the latter, then safety absolutely needs to be at the top of your priority list. Here are a few tips to help you stay, as they say, shiny side up.
TAKE A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE. Motorcycle safety courses are offered in every state except Idaho and taught by experienced instructors. They allow the beginner (or the no-so-beginner who hasn't touched a motorcycle in years) to learn to ride in a safe, secure environment. It is fun and challenging, and passing the course qualifies the rider for a premium discount with most (if not all) motorcycle insurers. Also, some states will take a certificate of completion in lieu of the driving portion of the licensing exam.
DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. Take it for granted that every vehicle on the road will not see or hear you; therefore, be prepared to brake or swerve. Always operate under the assumption that the car at the stop sign in the intersection up ahead is going to pull out in front of you, and that the driver of the car in the lane on your right will cut you off by turning left at the next corner. Whenever possible, stay out of blind spots. Maintain at least an eight-second safety gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. Keep your eyes moving by looking ahead, looking in your rearview mirrors, and looking to the left and right; don't let them rest on any one thing for more than a few seconds. This helps you anticipate, spot, and react swiftly to potential hazards.
DRESS DEFENSIVELY. Wear a helmet. In 2007, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NHTSA), 1,784 motorcyclists involved in accidents survived those accidents because they were wearing a helmet. It could mean, literally, the difference between life and death. It is also important to wear a long-sleeve jacket, long pants, ankle-high boots, and gloves. They will shield you from the sun, wind, flying bugs, and rocks thrown up from passing vehicles, not to mention an unexpected clash with the asphalt. Summer-weighted gear is available, so weather is no excuse for exposing yourself to unnecessary risk. In short, dress for contingencies.
DO NOT DRINK AND RIDE. This almost goes without saying. Although it applies to everyone and every vehicle, it is a particularly good rule for motorcyclists to follow due to their increased vulnerability. To drink and drive is to compromise your ability to predict and respond to rapidly changing circumstances. The NHTSA says that 2,182 motorcyclists died in single-vehicle crashes in 2007, and an astonishing forty-one percent (almost half!) of those fatalities had blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher. That's three beers consumed by a 160-pound man or two glasses of wine for a 120-pound woman. Everyone metabolizes alcohol at differing rates, so be safe; don't drink if you plan on riding.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Use it or lose it! Only by riding frequently will you become confident in your ability to deal with the unexpected. And the more confident you feel, the more you can relax, take in the sights and smells of the road, and enjoy the ride.
