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What can motorcyclists do to protect ourselves? |
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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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