OFF THE WIRE
http://www.wgil.com/localnews.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=052010&newsid=1 State Police Offers Motorcycle Safety Tips With the arrival of warmer weather the motorcycle season is officially under way. People need to Start Seeing Motorcycles and use CAUTION around them, and motorcyclist themselves need to drive defensively in the event they are NOT seen. Who's fault it was does not help injury recovery, or even worse, a fatality. Illinois State Police District 7 urges motorcycle riders to use caution when riding this summer.
According to the National Safety Council the number of motorcycle fatalities has steadily increased 131% from 1998 to 2008. There are several reasons for the increased fatalities: more motorcycle drivers on the roadways due to gas economy and recreation, new drivers with little or no riding experience, failure to wear helmets and driving under the influence. The Quad City area has already experienced several serious injury and deadly motorcycle crashes this year.
District 7 Troopers will be watchful for drivers who are operating unsafe motorcycles, driving with a suspended or revoked driver�s license, driving without the correct driver�s license classification, and most importantly driving under the influence.
"It is important that we make motorcyclists aware of riding dangers and educate them on safe riding habits while ensuring they are operating a safe vehicle and have the correct classification on their driver's license," states Captain Jeff Patterson, District 7 Commander.
District 7 will have a 20 foot and 10 foot banner that declares "Start Seeing Motorcycles" on hand for any agency, business or community that wishes to display one for a two week period throughout the riding season. If this would interest you please contact Trooper Jason Wilson at 309-752-4915 X4955 or by email at wilsonj@isp.state.il.us.
ISP also offers the following safety tips for new riders all the way up to seasoned veterans:
* Although Illinois does not mandate wearing a motorcycle helmet, use of approved helmets, protective body wear, boots and gloves is strongly recommended.
* Improve your visibility by wearing brightly colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.
* Be alert for animals alongside and on the roadway, not only in rural areas, but in urban areas as well.
* Don't ride beyond 80% of your riding capabilities. To do so leaves no margin for the unexpected.
* When riding with another motorcycle, stagger your position. This allows both riders to take evasive action safely should the need occur.
* Don't become fixed on what�s just beyond your front tire. Be aware of what's ahead. Safe riders remain aware of developing situations 12-16 seconds ahead. This includes other vehicles, potholes, roadway obstructions, and other potential hazards. This allows time to plan and react in a controlled manner.
* Oil, grease and other fluids from cars and trucks generally collects in the middle of the lane. Avoid these potentially slick areas by riding in the normal wheel tracks of these vehicles.
* In the event emergency braking is required, remember motorcycles have far better stopping capabilities than cars and trucks. As you're avoiding the hazard, scan for a safe escape route while watching for vehicles approaching from behind.
* Before proceeding through an intersection, check left, check front, check right, and check left again. Checking left first is important because this is the first lane you cross. Continue to scan in the intersection in a clockwise pattern, checking traffic approaching in front, in case that vehicle turns left in front of you. 77% of motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle happen in this manner.
* Don't allow someone to ride your motorcycle without knowing their skill level and making sure they have the proper license.
* Don't drink and ride. Alcohol slows reactions and impairs function.
(Illinois State Police)
