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What can motorcyclists do to protect ourselves? |
Motorcycling can be one of the most enjoyable ways to see the country, make commuting more efficient, and save money with rising gas prices. With straddling an engine and two wheels comes added joys and added risks; becoming aware and prepared for those risks can help save motorcyclists lives and keep the road safer and more enjoyable for all.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable in the motoring public. In any collision with a four-wheel vehicle, a motorcyclist is at a severe disadvantage. An accident that is just a simple panel-beating exercise for a car or truck can mean death or disability for a motorcyclist. It is not difficult to lose a limb, seriously damage internal organs, or become paralyzed.Let’s face it, we all know that a certain percentage of the driving population is blind, ignorant or indifferent to motorcycles. Therefore, if motorcyclists want to protect themselves, we have to take matters into our own hands. A couple of quick tips to help you ride safe.
Motorcycle Safety Tip #1: Buckle On That Helmet
There is often disagreement between those who believe in wearing a motorcycle helmet and those that don't. Helmets, like seat belts, can be annoying and feel restrictive. As such, many people do not like to wear either when operating their motorcycle or car, respectively. However, it is essential that such safety devices be worn. Research statistics further substantiate the case for wearing helmets, showing that huge numbers of motorcyclists escape death by wearing them.
A very common motorcycle accident scenario is a rider being thrown off and landing on their head. For those wearing a good helmet, serious head injuries can usually be averted. An ejected rider might end up with a severe headache, but at least they are alive!A Department of Transportation approved helmet is a motorcyclist’s first line of defense, protecting his or her head in a collision. Research shows that a motorcycle helmet is essential in preventing brain injury and death in the event of an accident. Helmets that have been D.O.T. approved have successfully passed vigorous testing and are best prepared for keeping riders’ heads safe and protected. Helmets may also be subjected to further testing and become Snell approved as well. The Snell Memorial Foundation has been an independent tester and developer of helmets since 1957, with more rigorous guidelines that helmets must pass in order to become Snell certified.A helmet is certainly not an iron-clad guarantee that an accident or serious injury will be avoided-no safety device is. However, wearing a motorcycle helmet will certainly improve the odds of surviving a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Safety Tip #2: Wear brightly-colored, protective clothing
Motorcyclists should always wear the appropriate gear for protection and be clearly visible to other motorists. Specially designed suits are available in natural (leather) and synthetic materials that protect a rider’s body. Bikers ejected from their motorcycle can skid along the bitumen, and without protective leather clothes or boots can forcibly embed rocks, glass and other objects into their flesh. This can have disastrous consequences in pain and suffering which could easily have been avoided.
Motorcycle Safety Tip #3: Keep awake and stay sober
Drowsiness and fatigue can seriously impair a motorcyclist's reflexes and ability to react. Bikers should avoid riding when very fatigued and take regular short breaks from driving. Alcohol and other drugs also seriously affect judgment and should be strictly avoided when riding a motorcycle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that intoxication rates for drivers in fatal crashes in 2000 were highest for motorcycle operators (27 percent) and lowest for drivers of large trucks (1 percent). More than half (53 percent) of all alcohol crashes occur during weekends.
Motorcycle Safety Tip #4: Abide By Traffic Laws
A substantial number of motorcycle riders involved in accidents are driving without licenses or are improperly licensed. Motorcyclists should ensure their license is always up to date, and take care to obey the traffic laws. A regular refresh of road rules and local traffic laws is highly recommended, and most importantly …… don't speed!
Motorcycle Safety Tip #5: Bike Safety and planning
Motorcyclists should perform a motorcycle safety inspection before each ride. Accidents often occur as a result of mechanical problems. Plan ahead when riding in a group. Determine your route in advance and make sure it is coordinated with the other riders.
Motorcycle Safety Tip #6: Continuous learning and improvement
A large percentage of motorcyclists involved in accidents have had no driver training. Enrolling in a motorcycle training course is a good way of developing basic riding skills. Once the basic techniques are acquired, motorcyclists can sharpen their street-riding and accident-avoidance skills by taking a defensive driving course or advanced program for motorcyclists.Every rider should be aware of his or her own abilities and not push these boundaries unless in a safe environment (a closed track or parking lot for practicing skills are fine examples). An excellent way of becoming proficient in riding skills is by taking a rider education course. Some states require these classes in an effort to cut down on motorcycle accidents, and at the successful completion of a motorcycle education course, a motorcycle license is issued. Motorcycle safety courses provide a relaxed and safe atmosphere that promotes learning and allow riders opportunity to practice skills in order to become better prepared riders when they are ultimately afforded the privilege of solo riding on highways, freeways, and backroads.
OTHER IDEAS
If you have other ideas please feel free to contact Dustin Lance to discuss. I would be happy to incorporate your ideas into this website.
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