THEY’RE STILL OUT THERE !
by John Del Santo
The laws have been passed, but we all know that making a law about something does not mean that folks are going to obey that law. The perfect example of this is the new law that prohibits drivers from using a ‘hands on’ phone or texting while they are driving. It would be a mistake for us to think that we are now going to be safe from these people while we are out riding.
In a recent poll 71 % of the people said that they still talk on the phone or text while they are driving. Seventy One Percent ! When California passed the “Hands Free” phone law, allowing people to use their ear-phones while driving, it did not make a lot of difference, because safety professionals are well aware that “It doesn’t matter what their Hands are doing, it matters what their Brain is doing”.
Using the term “Safety Professionals” I am not referring to some politician in Sacramento trying to pass a vote. I refer to people who have spent their whole life behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, or who have spent their whole life instructing drivers on all types of vehicles. I know hundreds of men and women who fit this category, and I do not know a single one of them who believes that it’s possible to text or talk on a phone, any kind of phone, and still safely drive a vehicle of any kind. It can’t be done.
While we are out there riding, we still must make ourselves aware and alert and prepared for that driver at the next intersection to do anything totally unexpectedly. I was watching a program recently which pointed out that almost all new teenage drivers think that they can safely text and drive at the same time. If I let my child talk on a phone or text someone while they are driving, am I ready to accept the responsibility of the outcome of their actions ? A recent news story told of a professional tractor-trailer driver, who was on a cel-phone and drove into the back of a Big Yellow School Bus, because in his “Inattentional Blindness” he “didn’t see” this giant yellow bus. He pushed the bus for 200 feet before it burst into flames. I have two friends, who are two of the most intelligent people that I know who will swear that they can drive in a perfectly safe manner while talking on a phone. I really hope that they don’t have to become a statistic to find out that they are mistaken. We need to keep alert so that we don’t make mistakes, and we need to keep alert for those other drivers who are concentrating on their yakkity-yak with their friends instead of on what actions they need to take at the next intersection.
John Del Santo
mcbwaycool@yahoo.com
ABATE of California
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The "Move Over Law" for California
The "Move Over Law" is now in effect in California CVC 21809 & CVC 25253 (and most other states)
Freeway: Stationary Vehicles Displaying Emergency or Warning Lights
21809. (a) A person driving a vehicle on a freeway approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, ( )1 a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or a stationary marked Department of Transportation ve
The "Move Over Law" is now in effect in California CVC 21809 & CVC 25253 (and most other states)
Freeway: Stationary Vehicles Displaying Emergency or Warning Lights
21809. (a) A person driving a vehicle on a freeway approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, ( )1 a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or a stationary marked Department of Transportation vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, shall approach with due caution and, before passing in a lane immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle ( )1 , tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle, absent ( )2 other direction by a peace officer, proceed to do one of the following:
(1) Make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or ( )3 Department of Transportation vehicle, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law.
(2) If the maneuver described in paragraph (1) would be unsafe or impracticable, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.
(b) A violation of subdivision (a) is an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50).
BIG FINES IN SOME OTHER STATES SEE VIDEO BELOW.
http://www.moveoveramerica.com/
www.snopes.com/politics/traffic/moveover.asp
Freeway: Stationary Vehicles Displaying Emergency or Warning Lights
21809. (a) A person driving a vehicle on a freeway approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, ( )1 a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or a stationary marked Department of Transportation ve
The "Move Over Law" is now in effect in California CVC 21809 & CVC 25253 (and most other states)
Freeway: Stationary Vehicles Displaying Emergency or Warning Lights
21809. (a) A person driving a vehicle on a freeway approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, ( )1 a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or a stationary marked Department of Transportation vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, shall approach with due caution and, before passing in a lane immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle ( )1 , tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle, absent ( )2 other direction by a peace officer, proceed to do one of the following:
(1) Make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or ( )3 Department of Transportation vehicle, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law.
(2) If the maneuver described in paragraph (1) would be unsafe or impracticable, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.
(b) A violation of subdivision (a) is an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50).
BIG FINES IN SOME OTHER STATES SEE VIDEO BELOW.
http://www.moveoveramerica.com/
www.snopes.com/politics/traffic/moveover.asp
Nebraska no-helmet proposal to get another ride
Nebraska no-helmet proposal to get another ride
Associated Press - January 27, 2010 1:15 PM ET
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A bill that would let motorcyclists go helmet-free in Nebraska will get another ride.
On Wednesday, the Legislature's Transportation and Telecommunications Committee advanced a measure (LB200) that would allow bikers 21 years old and older to ride without helmets.
The committee vote means the bill introduced by Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont will likely be debated by the full Legislature. Last year, the bill got stuck in committee.
Similar measures have failed in the past, including in 2008.
The majority of states let people ride motorcycles without helmets, but safety concerns have persuaded Nebraska lawmakers to require helmets.
On the Net:
Nebraska Legislature: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov
Associated Press - January 27, 2010 1:15 PM ET
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A bill that would let motorcyclists go helmet-free in Nebraska will get another ride.
On Wednesday, the Legislature's Transportation and Telecommunications Committee advanced a measure (LB200) that would allow bikers 21 years old and older to ride without helmets.
The committee vote means the bill introduced by Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont will likely be debated by the full Legislature. Last year, the bill got stuck in committee.
Similar measures have failed in the past, including in 2008.
The majority of states let people ride motorcycles without helmets, but safety concerns have persuaded Nebraska lawmakers to require helmets.
On the Net:
Nebraska Legislature: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Shake,Rattle & Roll
Shake,Rattle & Roll
By John Del Santo
The Emergency Organizations tell us that in a severe emergency... fire, flood,earthquake,we should be prepared to be without water,electricity and other essential services for at least 3 days.As motorcyclists we are already more resilient,
rugged,and practical,and therefore further ahead in the Survival game then the general public...but here are some suggestions and a checklist.
Set-up specific emergency meeting place with your family and friends,a park or a motorcycle shop.So that everyone in your crowd will know where to find each other,a place to reunite,if they get separated in an emergency..and have a pen and paper with you so that you can leave them a note.
next we have to consider the items we would like have with us to make the next 3 days go well.Rather than wasting hours wondering what to bring with us,We should have an emergency kit packed in a knapsack,closed in a plastic trash-can and sealed with duct-tape to keep it clean and dry for years...but ready in a time of crisis to open the can,pick out the Kit...and GO! We keep our trash-can-kit stored under a big bush in the back yard. If we keep it in the house and the building collapse`s, we have just lost our kit and now become dependant on other people.
Our most important need is 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day. Once packed in a dark place, bottled water will last 2 years before needing replacement. you might prefer 16 oz. bottles which pack nicely in a knapsack. There is a good selection of freezed dried foods(with a 6 year shelf life)at the camping stores.pick up a cheap, folding Sterno stove and canned fuel, a Boy Scout Mess-kit,1 big serving spoon, and some plastic dinner ware. Anti-Biotic hand cleaner is good...infection is bad. Pack a couple of disposable lighters...or you will just get to sit around and stare at the dry, cold food. A bag of protein bars from the health food store takes up very little space, but comes in real handy, If you are at home when the crisis occurs, and you have animals,leaving a big bag of dry food and a big pot of water before you hit the road,Is surely appreciated.
Is there someone in your crew that has a need for a daily medication? They should have a 3 day stash with them. It`s also nice knowing that someone in your crew CPR and 1st Aid.If you dont have a sleeping bag,that you normally tie to your bike, afew of those aluminum"space blankets" in your kit is good. Many motorcyclists already carry a Frist-Aid kit,but if you don`t,you really should put a minimum for your emergency kit. Infection travels fast!! Other Goodies?A couple of small Flashlights., 50 ft. of parachute cord ,a roll of dimes,a small packet of T.P.
a siphon hose and a small cheapo AM radio to keep up with the news and weather....
You will have food and drink... and a lot of other people won`t.....So stay aware of your surroundings for your safety and security.
It is a common practice after a long days rideto leave enough gas in your tank to get to the gas station in the morning, park your bike,kick off your boots,crank up some tunes,and relax.If an emergency happens during the night and the whole area loses electric service... then the whole area loses the ability to pump gas...
In a perfect world, the last stop of a day would be to top off your fuel tanks.
Reading this List, it sounds like you would need a pick-up truck and a small trailer to haul everything around,but NOT SO!!!... everything listed here will fit in a KNAPSACK !!!!!
THANK YOU, JOHN,
Screwdriver
By John Del Santo
The Emergency Organizations tell us that in a severe emergency... fire, flood,earthquake,we should be prepared to be without water,electricity and other essential services for at least 3 days.As motorcyclists we are already more resilient,
rugged,and practical,and therefore further ahead in the Survival game then the general public...but here are some suggestions and a checklist.
Set-up specific emergency meeting place with your family and friends,a park or a motorcycle shop.So that everyone in your crowd will know where to find each other,a place to reunite,if they get separated in an emergency..and have a pen and paper with you so that you can leave them a note.
next we have to consider the items we would like have with us to make the next 3 days go well.Rather than wasting hours wondering what to bring with us,We should have an emergency kit packed in a knapsack,closed in a plastic trash-can and sealed with duct-tape to keep it clean and dry for years...but ready in a time of crisis to open the can,pick out the Kit...and GO! We keep our trash-can-kit stored under a big bush in the back yard. If we keep it in the house and the building collapse`s, we have just lost our kit and now become dependant on other people.
Our most important need is 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day. Once packed in a dark place, bottled water will last 2 years before needing replacement. you might prefer 16 oz. bottles which pack nicely in a knapsack. There is a good selection of freezed dried foods(with a 6 year shelf life)at the camping stores.pick up a cheap, folding Sterno stove and canned fuel, a Boy Scout Mess-kit,1 big serving spoon, and some plastic dinner ware. Anti-Biotic hand cleaner is good...infection is bad. Pack a couple of disposable lighters...or you will just get to sit around and stare at the dry, cold food. A bag of protein bars from the health food store takes up very little space, but comes in real handy, If you are at home when the crisis occurs, and you have animals,leaving a big bag of dry food and a big pot of water before you hit the road,Is surely appreciated.
Is there someone in your crew that has a need for a daily medication? They should have a 3 day stash with them. It`s also nice knowing that someone in your crew CPR and 1st Aid.If you dont have a sleeping bag,that you normally tie to your bike, afew of those aluminum"space blankets" in your kit is good. Many motorcyclists already carry a Frist-Aid kit,but if you don`t,you really should put a minimum for your emergency kit. Infection travels fast!! Other Goodies?A couple of small Flashlights., 50 ft. of parachute cord ,a roll of dimes,a small packet of T.P.
a siphon hose and a small cheapo AM radio to keep up with the news and weather....
You will have food and drink... and a lot of other people won`t.....So stay aware of your surroundings for your safety and security.
It is a common practice after a long days rideto leave enough gas in your tank to get to the gas station in the morning, park your bike,kick off your boots,crank up some tunes,and relax.If an emergency happens during the night and the whole area loses electric service... then the whole area loses the ability to pump gas...
In a perfect world, the last stop of a day would be to top off your fuel tanks.
Reading this List, it sounds like you would need a pick-up truck and a small trailer to haul everything around,but NOT SO!!!... everything listed here will fit in a KNAPSACK !!!!!
THANK YOU, JOHN,
Screwdriver
Monday, January 25, 2010
Bikers of America, The Phil and Bill Show
Join us on Thursday,Jan/28/2010, at 6pm Pacific,9pm Eastern for our show concering Motorcyclists Rights and Updates concerning the Motorcycle Community.
You can listen in or call, by clicking on the website listed below, or in the Navigation Box to the right. Thank You All in Advance For Your Support,
Screwdriver and Bill
You can listen in or call, by clicking on the website listed below, or in the Navigation Box to the right. Thank You All in Advance For Your Support,
Screwdriver and Bill
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