As you know, Harley Man and I ride motorcycles. With warm weather upon us, our motorcycles along with thousands of motorcycles will be out and about on the road. I realize how important it is for a motorcyclist to watch out for vehicles, anticipate the maneuvers of other drivers, drive within the speed limit and show common sense. In turn, it is just as important for drivers of vehicles to do the same!!! Unfortunately, one of our fellow motorcyclists encountered a vehicle driver who didn't do this and she was severly injured when the vehicle pulled out directly in front of her in busy traffic leaving her no place to go....not to mention the driver left the scene of the accident.
So I found an article from
Iron Works that reminds all of us to
"Watch Out For Motorcycles"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"This is one of those early in the riding season Public Service Announcements where we warn motorists about motorcyclists and motorcyclists about motorists. In much of the country riders are just beginning to get their machines out and enjoying the weather. Just like blossoms on a tree a little warm weather brings us out. So tell your car driving friends to watch out for motorcycles. After a few months of getting used to no bikes on the road, now suddenly they’ll be popping up everywhere.
Motorcyclists should be aware of this fact. We know they don’t see us at peak riding times so now at the beginning of the riding season they aren’t used to looking for us. Remember to try to be as visible as you can. Here’s another look at the 10 Tips For drivers from the MSF:
1. Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Most of the time, the motorist, not the motorcyclist, is at fault. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle – they ignore it (usually unintentionally).
2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to look for motorcycles, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
3. A motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
4. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say three or four seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
5. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.
7. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
8. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”
9. When a motorcycle is in motion, see more than the motorcycle – see the person under the helmet, who could be your friend, neighbor, or relative.
10. If a driver crashes into a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian and causes serious injury, the driver would likely never forgive himself/herself.
These are all good tips that every driver, and motorcycle rider, should know and
follow!"
The Salisbury HOG Chapter Ladies of Harley are an awesome group of women!! I have the pleasure of working with these women this year and I am so excited. We started a community service project called "Scent of an Angel" and we've had tremendous support from our HOG Chapter members...they've provided all types of shampoos, conditioners, lotions, toothbrushes, toothpaste and more to the Ladies of Harley.
