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Motorcycle operator behavior that promotes motorcycle safety
Maverick - Mar 22, 2010
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Motorcyclists who ride safely year after year learn very early, through training and in the course of operating a motorcycle, the potential hazards and challenges they will face as a road user on a two wheeler. These motorcyclists have learned to anticipate what can happen and operate their motorcycles proactively so they are not in life threatening situations.
There are estimated to be 9,000,000+ motorcyclists in the United States who travel between 3,000 and 6,000 miles per year. Not all motorcyclists will end up in a morgue.
We asked motorcyclists, who are safely putting up mile after mile on motorcycles, to identify behaviors that assure that accidents do not happen, and to tell us what they do that ensures safe riding. These responses are from motorcyclists who have learned to ride and have fun. They are “professional” motorcyclists; meaning they know how to handle a bike. They are motorcycle operators that know the behaviors they need to replicate each and every time they go out onto the roadway to assure that they and those around them are safe.
Following are the best responses from experienced motorcycles:
- ”Stay on the motorcycle and off of the barstool.” David Wright, President & COO, America Hears
- Dan McMonigle, Director, Video Product Management, Comcast says: “Don't drink and ride, which accounts for 50% of accidents. The other 50% breaks down as follows beginning with 100 percent of those not drinking:
- Carrying too much speed into corner is 50%
- Watch for those left turners, which accounts for 27%.
- The remaining 23% is from various causes and often depends on bike model. Rear enders at night with bike stopped at intersection.
- Crotch rockets make up a lot of the accidents, but the deaths fall on the older Harley Riders.
- “When riding a motorcycle, do not attempt to enforce or correct bad driving behavior. I flicked someone off who cut me off and after he narrowly missed driving me off the road in retaliation, he got out of his car at a stop light and attempted to start a fight. It was just my luck a biker cop saw the whole thing and arrested him…that idiot almost ran me off the road. I was agitated, but only made it worse by flicking him off... even if he did deserve a lesson. Luckily, he got one!” Nicholas Kilduff, International Business Professional Development Program at Abbott Laboratories
- “Constant vigilance-defensive driving. Stay "in the moment" at all times, and if you find your mind wandering too much, get off and take a break.” Barbara Shilling, President/Owner, Sign Station, Inc.
- "You have all the freedom on a motorcycle but you never have the right of way. If you're approaching the intersection and the green light is yours, connect with every pair of eyes going through it. Always slow and cover your brake and clutch for every side street you come up. Don't be one that can't hear the remorseful driver hovering over you saying they're sorry." Douglas Roberts, Broker/Realtor at Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston
- “When I am approaching an intersection I look at the driver and also watch the tires of the car. The tires are easy to see rolling even if the driver is looking right threw you. I drive about two cars ahead of where I am riding and scan for the car brakes in front of me.” Also: “pre plan an escape at every intersection. After you do this exercise a few times it becomes second nature.” John L. Bair, Integration Specialist at Synergy Executive Sourcing
- Clark Kenney, Business Development manager at Silicon Forest Electronics, says to wear all gear all the time including helmet, boots, gloves, jeans, and jacket. He also recommends maintaining appropriate distance between your motorcycle and other vehicles, prepare for the worst case scenario, exercise extra caution when roads are slippery, and be sure brakes and tires are properly maintained.
- “Teaching riders to be more defensive…Situational awareness is a riding habit that, if practiced well, protects the rider from texting/phoning/nose-picking cage drivers.” David Vinyard, President at Briscoe Hall Inc.
- Steve Brown, Senior Business Development Executive at Raytheon, says:
“When I'm out there mixing it up with all those cell phone yappers, texters, mascara appliers, newspaper readers, etc. I try to focus on several things:- ride in a lane or road position where I always have an "out" - and I usually stay there, I don't weave in and out of traffic or change lanes a lot
- know where traffic (other vehicles), is in relation to me
- expect the unexpected
- make sure my hands and feet are where they are supposed to be - near the clutch, brake, horn etc. - and not playing with the radio or trying to light a cigarette
- constantly scan vehicles around me to see if they are paying attention and not distracted, and
- when I'm turning across traffic or at a stopped intersection, I try to make eye contact with the other driver.
These behaviors have kept me alive and well for over 300K miles on two wheels over the years.”
- “People drive like idiots. Sometimes on purpose and sometimes because they're just oblivious. Don't get mad, don't let it get to you, don't get aggressive, don't be tempted to mess with them. They're stuck in their stinky old cars hating every minute of the trip while you're enjoying every minute. If anything, just feel sorry for them.” Lisa Kerr, Managing Partner at L.J. Aero, LLC
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) suggests these five critical safety guidelines:
- Get Trained and Licensed - Take an 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 skill limits, never riding faster or farther than your abilities can handle
- Be a Lifelong Learner - Be lifelong learners, regularly returning for refresher riding courses
Motorcycling is about taking personal responsibility for the ride and the adventure. Be prepared, be alert, be attentive, and be involved.
RIDE ON!!
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