cycle safety
You already know how much fun riding a motorcycle can be. There's
nothing quite like the exhilaration of cruising the open road and the
challenge of controlling a spirited motorcycle. But motorcycling also
can be dangerous. The latest vehicle mile travel data show
motorcyclists are about 27 times as likely as passenger car occupants
to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash and 6 times as likely to be
injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination, and good
judgment. Here are some ways to ensure that you'll be around to enjoy
riding your motorcycle for many years to come.
before you take the road
Make sure you are properly licensed Driving a car and riding a
motorcycle require different skills and knowledge. Although
motorcycle-licensing regulations vary, all states require a motorcycle
license endorsement to supplement your automobile driver's license. To
receive the proper endorsement in most states, you'll need to pass
written and on-cycle skills tests administered by your state's
licensing agency.
Some states require you to take a state-sponsored rider education
course. Others waive the on-cycle skills test if you've already taken
and passed a state-approved course. Either way, completing a motorcycle
rider education course is a good way to ensure you have the correct
instruction and experience it takes to ride a motorcycle. For the
motorcycle rider-training course nearest you.
Practice operating your motorcycle
Given the fact that motorcycles vary in handling and
responsiveness, be sure to take the time to get accustomed to the feel
of a new or unfamiliar motorcycle by riding it in a controlled area.
Once you feel comfortable with your bike, you can take it into traffic.
Make sure you know how to handle your motorcycle in a variety of
conditions (e.g., inclement weather or encountering hazards such as
slick roads, potholes, and road debris). If you plan to carry cargo or
a passenger, be prepared to make adjustments to the tires, suspension,
and placement of the load.
Be sure your motorcycle is safe
Before every ride, you should check the tire pressure and tread
depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights and signal indicators, and
fluid levels. You should also check under the motorcycle for signs of
oil or gas leaks. If you're carrying cargo, you should secure and
balance the load on the cycle; and adjust the suspension and tire
pressure to accommodate the extra weight.
If you're carrying a passenger, he or she should mount the
motorcycle only after the engine has started; should sit as far forward
as possible, directly behind you; and should keep both feet on the foot
rests at all times, even when the motorcycle is stopped. Remind your
passenger to keep his or her legs and feet away from the muffler. Tell
your passenger to hold on firmly to your waist, hips, or belt; keep
movement to a minimum; and lean at the same time and in the same
direction as you do. Do not let your passenger dismount the motorcycle
until you say it is safe.
Wear the proper protection
If you're ever in a serious motorcycle crash, the best hope you
have for protecting your brain is a motorcycle helmet. Always wear a
helmet meeting the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Look for the DOT symbol on
the outside back of the helmet. That is the manufacturer's way of
certifying the helmet meets the DOT standard. A certified helmet also
will have a permanent inside label identifying the manufacturer and
providing information about the care and use of the helmet. Helmets
meeting FMVSS 218 weigh around three pounds; have a thick
polystyrene-foam lining; and sturdy chinstraps. ANSI or Snell labels
are voluntary indicators of helmet quality. Don't leave your helmet
behind on short trips because it could be a deadly mistake. Some
motorcycle helmets, in addition to offering protection to your head in
a crash, include plastic face shields that offer protection from wind,
rain, insects, dust, and stones thrown up from cars. If your helmet
doesn't have a face shield, be sure you wear goggles because eyeglasses
won't keep your eyes from watering, and can easily fall off.
Arms and legs should be completely covered when riding a
motorcycle, ideally by wearing leather or heavy denim. In addition to
providing protection in a crash, protective gear also helps prevent
dehydration. Boots or shoes should be high enough to cover your ankles,
while gloves allow for a better grip and help protect your hands in the
event of a crash. Wearing brightly colored clothing with reflective
material will make you more visible to other vehicle drivers.
Ride responsibly
Experienced riders know local traffic laws - and they don't take
risks. Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings;
ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your
bike and other vehicles; and always check behind you and signal before
you change lanes. Remember to ride defensively. The majority of
multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes generally are caused when other
drivers simply didn't see the motorcyclist. Proceed cautiously at
intersections and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles as
appropriate. You can increase your visibility by applying reflective
materials to your motorcycle and by keeping your motorcycle's
headlights on at all times, even using high beams during the day.
Be alcohol and drug free
Alcohol and drugs, including some prescribed medications,
negatively affect your judgment, coordination, balance, throttle
control, and ability to shift gears. These substances also impair your
alertness and reduce your reaction time. Even when you're fully alert,
it's impossible to predict what other vehicles or pedestrians are going
to do. Therefore, make sure you are alcohol and drug free when you get
on your motorcycle. Otherwise, you'll be heading for trouble.
Re: Defensive DrivingFri Apr 27, 2007 7:27 am
