Motorcyclist and other vehicle operator safety advice
Maverick - Feb 5, 2008
 
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Nationwide, motorcycle related deaths have risen from about 2,100 in 1997 to more than 4,800 during 2006. Many factors influence motorcyclist safety on any roadway. Observers inside and outside the motorcycling industry point to causes; e.g., traffic conditions, inexperienced motorcycle operators, judgment exercised by other vehicle operators, and lack of adequate vehicle training to name a few.
Bill Gallo, in an article for the Rocky Mountain News, wrote that the simplest explanation for the increase in fatalities is that there are more motorcycles on the road.
While an important factor, this is not the whole story.
In June of 2007, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) launched a $2.8 million Motorcycle Crash Causation Study at Oklahoma State University, the first such research project in more than 30 years. The findings won't be released until 2013, MSF spokesman Dean Thompson says.
"Rider training is essential;" however, "we need more involvement from government in our safety mission,” according to Thompson.
Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, funded by 12 motorcycle manufacturers, has set guidelines for bikers including stiff warnings against drinking and riding, riding with protective gear, and rider education courses. Almost 400,000 U.S. riders got their MSF diplomas in 2007.
What can be done now?
Motorcycle operators can reduce hazards by:
- Completing a motorcycle rider education and training course.
- Wearing a helmet and protective gear.
- Riding where you can be seen and avoid motorists' blind spots.
- Never share a lane with a car or drive on the shoulder.
- Signaling before changing lanes and never weave between lanes.
- Never mix motorcycles and alcohol.
- Be aware that riding with a passenger requires even more skill than riding alone.
Other vehicle operators can reduce hazards by:
- Giving a motorcyclist a full lane of travel.
- Looking out for motorcyclists on the highway, at intersections where one may be making a left turn, and when a motorcyclist may be changing lanes.
- Clearly signaling your intentions.
- Anticipating evasive actions a motorcyclist must make to avoid road obstructions.
- Don't follow a motorcyclist too closely.
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Article Comments
8/30/2008 12:12 AM
I stated on a previous article written by Radio that I lost a younger brother to a motorcycle accident on 11-24-07, he was the victim of a pickup making a left turn at an intersection.
Joe had been riding for many years and was wearing a helmet,boots and gloves, these items did not save his life because the truck ran over him and drug his bike for an additional 130 feet before he stopped.
My point is no matter how much experience you have or how much training you have will not help you if you are involved in a wreck with some one who is negligent, therefor it is up to you as the operator of a motorcycle to always ride like the other guy does not see you.
I stated on a previous article written by Radio that I lost a younger brother to a motorcycle accident on 11-24-07, he was the victim of a pickup making a left turn at an intersection.
Joe had been riding for many years and was wearing a helmet,boots and gloves, these items did not save his life because the truck ran over him and drug his bike for an additional 130 feet before he stopped.
My point is no matter how much experience you have or how much training you have will not help you if you are involved in a wreck with some one who is negligent, therefor it is up to you as the operator of a motorcycle to always ride like the other guy does not see you.
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