May, 2008
AMA, MSF kickstart efforts
to promote MAY as Motorcycle Safety
Awareness Month
The AMA, the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation and local clubs and
organizations have launched efforts to
increase awareness of motorcyclists as
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
begins today.
MSF: Five rules for staying safe
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has five simple rules for
motorcyclists, and five for drivers, too.
If everyone followed them, the roads would be a lot safer.
Five rules for riders:
* Get Trained and Licensed - Take an MSF Rider Course and get
licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
* Wear Protective Gear - Wear proper protective riding gear,
most importantly a helmet made to Department of
Transportation standards.
* Ride Unimpaired - Ride unimpaired, never drinking or using
other drugs before getting on a motorcycle.
* Ride Within Your Limits - Stay within your personal limits,
never riding faster or farther than your abilities can handle.
* Be a Lifelong Learner - Be lifelong learners, regularly returning
for refresher riding courses.
Five rules for car drivers:
* Look Out for Motorcyclists - Use your eyes and mirrors to see
what’s around.
* Don't Be Distracted - Hang up and drive, put down the food, the pet,
the personal grooming gear, the CD, and the reading material and
save it for later.
* Give Two-Wheelers Some Room - Don't tailgate or get too
close side-by-side.
* Use Your Turn Signals - Signal your intentions. It's also the law.
The AMA has distributed a video public service announcement to news outlets across the country. Titled "The Distracted Driver," the 30-second video uses a touch\ of humor to address the serious issue of inattentive drivers.
* Keep it in the Car - Don’t throw trash and cigarettes out the window,
and securely lash down cargo that can fall out on the road and be
a deadly hazard
The MSF, in addition to distributing a video news release to television stations nationwide, is also placing videos on YouTube and Break.com, to try to reach younger audiences. The MSF has also produced a short film, "Intersection," that dramatically presents a car-motorcycle collision from the perspective of each of the persons involved. The film is intended for use in driver education courses.
Several states, from New Hampshire to Oregon, sponsored safety rallies at their capitols to launch Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
The focus of all of these efforts is to get everyone on the road to be attentive to motorcyclists, as well as other vulnerable road users, at the time of year when many more riders are taking to the streets.
Of course we're riders, so we're already aware of motorcycles. Sometimes
excessively so. Just watch our heads swivel at the sound of a motorcycle going by on the street.
The more important part of this effort is to increase awareness among the non-riding majority.
Got an idea how to do that? Are your riding friends or your club doing something to try to raise awareness? If you have a suggestion that could be used by others to remind drivers to watch for motorcyclists, send us an e-mail and we'll help spread the good thinking.
Ride Mind
Gear up for Motorcycling
Season
The new riding season is just around the corner, are you ready
for the road?
Before hopping on your motorcycle and taking to the street remember to maintain your presence.
Stay visible
• Wear bright colors
• Use turn/hand signals
• Flash brake lights to alert those behind
• Watch for potential hazards
Remember that traffic is unpredictable. Stay smart and assume the worst so you're prepared and not caught by surprise.
Take a few moments to get reacquainted with your motorcycle. Gain your balance with low speed exercises.
Follow your quest to become a better rider
Read these scenarios to get into the ride mind
The Classic Tailgate Scenario:
The driver behind is tailgating you. What do you do?
Solution:
Slow down, providing a cushion of space between you and the vehicle ahead, enabling room to maneuver if
necessary.
Use your brakes slightly to alert the tailgating driver.
Change lanes if possible. Don't challenge a cage, you won't win.
Avoiding a Rear Ender:
Waiting at an intersection you are at your most vulnerable. What to do to avoid being rear ended?
Solution:
Be alert, always check mirrors and have space in front for evasive action. Being small a motorcycle can blend in
with the scenery, especially from behind. Flash your brake lights in warning before coming to a complete stop.
Then keep brakes on for further visibility.
Avoiding accident with a Left Turning Vehicle:
A vehicle approaching from the other direction turns left in front of you. How to avoid a collision?
Solution:
Be cautious of the other drivers, they are unpredictable and may not see you. Always cover your brakes and slow.down when approaching an intersection, even if you have the right-of-way. Maintain a space of safety in case you have to swerve out of the way.
It is difficult to predict all the possible scenarios while riding. The key is to maintain a cushion of space to provide more reaction time, whatever the situation may be.
Cover the brakes during uncertainty and also use the horn to convey your presence if necessary.
Ride Safe…and remember never mind who’s right,
ride so you’ll be left.
