OFF THE WIRE
http://silverspring.patch.com/articles/a-safe-end-to-the-motorcycle-riding-season A Safe End to the Motorcycle Riding Season Reflections from behind the handle bars in Silver Spring.
By S. Marshall Palmer November 22, 2010
As the riding season winds down for area motorcyclists, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers training and common sense tips for riders and drivers alike.
With one month left of fall you can be sure that there will still be some dedicated motorcyclists on the road until the first snow hits the ground. For those in the know, autumn represents one of the most enjoyable seasons of motorcycling. The cool air makes safe riding gear like heavy jackets comfortable and the colorful leaves make for breathtaking rides.
While everyday riding presents it's own set of challenges, such as pot-holes and lane wide frost heaves on Georgia Avenue, the biggest dangers facing riders in Silver Spring is the interaction between motorcycles and other vehicles on the road.
Riders:
1. Get properly trained and licensed: Take an MSF RiderCourse and obtain the appropriate motorcycle license endorsement from your state.
2. Wear all the gear, all the time: Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and eye protection, as well as over-the-ankle boots, gloves, riding jacket and pants.
3. Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs: Riding under the influence dramatically decreases a rider's necessary skills, especially vision and judgment.
4. Ride within your own skill limits and obey traffic laws: Every rider should know their personal limits, and never ride faster or farther than their abilities can handle.
5. Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher RiderCourses: Riding skills are perishable, so take an occasional refresher course. No matter how often or how long you've been riding, there is always room to learn something new.
Drivers:
1. Focus on driving: Don't be a distracted driver. Hang up the phone, put down the MP3 player and food, don't focus on pets and passengers and never text while driving.
2. Look for motorcyclists: Use your eyes and mirrors to see what's around, and check blind spots when changing lanes or turning at intersections.
3. Give two-wheelers some room: Keep a safe distance when following a motorcycle. Don't tailgate, change lanes or pass by too closely.
4. Use your turn signals: When changing lanes or making a turn, signal your intentions. Motorcyclists need to know where you're going just as much as other motorists do.
5. Keep it in the car: Don't throw trash and cigarette butts out the window, and secure cargo so that it cannot fall out on the road and become a deadly hazard.
A quick review of this list might leave some of us pointing the finger at the other party, i.e. bikers are the dangerous ones or drivers are the problem. We might think of specific instances of bikers or drivers doing all the don'ts on this list. Take what's left of Fall and be the most responsible rider or driver you can be.
In the meantime, I'll see you on the road. I hope you see me…my life depends on it.
