There are more motorcycles on the road than ever. The lousy economy we have is the biggest reason. As gas prices continue to climb, people are looking for cheaper ways to get to work. To supply this demand, a lot of cheap, throw away motorcycles have hit the market. Who can argue with 100 miles per gallon?
With the huge increase in motorcycles the accident rate with cars is increasing exponentially. Most states require that motorcycle riders take a certified motorcycle training course. I took this course and while it was not cheap, it was very informative. I learned things that I did not know and I've been riding motorcycles for years.
Some states require helmets and others do not, believing in the freedom to choose. Heed this advice, "Please wear a helmet, mine saved my life in 1977." I had a head on collision with a car on a curve and I survived. There was a 1 inch hole in my helmet just below my ear that would have penetrated my skull. I also broke my right leg in 5 places. Not good.
So I've been there and done the bad things to get seriously hurt. I know what I'm talking about. Taking the course is mandatory in some states but even if it isn't don't hesitate to spend the money and sign up for one. They will instruct you on motorcycle rules of the road and how to handle a motorcycle. How to stop quickly and operate through curves safely. They also explain why you do not ride in a car's blind spot.
There are a few more things that I think you need to know in addition to what they teach. The blind spot I refered to is when you are riding along side of a car, "pacing" the car. This motorist cannot see you in his mirror and if you are even with the rear door of his car he would need to turn around in his seat to see you. Either ride behind a car or pass to ride in front. It's all about visibility. If you ride correctly the cars can see you.
Tags=> motorcycle riding safety course, motorcycle blind spot, motorcycle accidents with cars, motorcycle safety
Always expect an automobile to do the unexpected. NEVER trust one. Many times a car will pull out in front of a motorcycle, then the motorcycle strikes the car killing the motorcyclist. The reason is, the car did not SEE him. Cars are in a hurry and a casual glance for other cars is all they are going to do. Slow down if you see this situation developing so you can avoid a collision.
Traffic lights are extremely dangerous to motorcycles as well. When stopping at a traffic light, keep a watch in your mirror to make sure that following cars are stopping behind you. Remember, you are hard to SEE. Leave a large gap between your motorcycle and the car ahead so you can move quickly if you need to.
When you are approaching a green traffic light you are still not safe entering the intersection. Slow down and look both ways because cars do run red lights. If you don't do this, you are betting on the skills of other drivers and they aren't that good.
Wet pavement is always dangerous because it cuts down on your quick stopping distance. Plan ahead for stopping on wet pavement and leave extra distance between your motorcycle and traffic ahead. White pedestrian lines painted on the roadway are rubberized and extremely slick for a motorcycle tire. Avoid these when the pavement is wet.
When riding in heavy traffic and it wlll be difficult to keep a high visibility. Put your thumb on the horn and keep it there so you can do a quick warning toot if you need to. Loud pipes on motorcycles not only sound cool they can save your life. If they can't SEE you they can HEAR you.
Every day somewhere in this country a motorcyclist is killed by a car. I'm giving you this information so you can avoid being one of those statistics. The only protection you have from an automobile is your riding skill and alertness. If you maintain a 110% level of attention to your riding, then you can do so safely.
May the wind be at your back and the bugs be in your teeth. Ride safely and enjoy yourself.
Tags=> motorcycle riding safety course, motorcycle blind spot, motorcycle helmet, motorcycle gear, motorcycles and wet pavement
Tags=> motorcycle riding safety course, motorcycle blind spot, motorcycle accidents with cars, motorcycle safety
