Be Mindful of Motorcyclists!
Posted on Mon, Jul 12, 2010 @ 03:00 PM
What's the most dangerous part on a motorcycle? The nut that connects the seat to the handlebar.
Even though I am one of “those nuts", I think that joke is funny! Having fun when you are out on your motorcycle, enjoying the ride, reveling in the moment, finding awesome back roads that you would never have found if you were in a car or truck, are only some of the good things about being on the road.
I wasn’t always the ‘driver’. In fact, riding behind my husband on our Wing was what I thought to be… “the best place in the world”. However, during one of our many (over 1000 mile) road trips, something took place that made me realize that I should try to learn to drive a motorcycle so I could take over driving if I ever needed to. Therefore, after a year of talking myself into it, I signed up for an ABATE class…. Me, who was afraid to drive a motorcycle and never had in the past. Still to this day, it is hard for me to believe that these ABATE instructors can teach folks like me how to operate these machines. Yes, I passed, received my motorcycle endorsement, and bought my bike in all of 2 months. I asked my ABATE instructor “what makes you want to give these classes every Saturday?” and his comment was “If someone like you is going to be on the road with me, then I want to make sure you know what you’re doing”. With that said, I have been on the road many times, oh, and off the road once… that is a whole other story. End result was that I was not hurt very badly, but that was due to the fact that I was wearing the necessary apparel, boots, and helmet as safety measures.
Most folks that ride motorcycles are very mindful of their surroundings when on the road. Additionally, drivers of cars and trucks should be watchful when driving around motorcycles. Below I have listed 10 tips that I found while reading an article written by the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) that lists “things that drivers of cars and trucks should know about motorcycles”:
1. There are more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t recognize a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at intersections.
2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or in/out of a driveway, predict that a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (trees, bushes, fences, etc). Take extra time to thoroughly check the traffic, whether you are changing lanes or turning at intersections.
4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, therefore not activating the brake light. Allow for more following distance. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self- cancelling; therefore some riders (especially beginners) may forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.
7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not necessarily to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime”.
And the very last and most important thing….
10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as a motorcycle; think of it as a person.
Article posted by Rose Cyphert, ADS Logistics