I am a car driver – have been for years, and always had a fascination for motorcycles. Lately, I've noticed more people driving motorcycles. With gas prices rising higher, the motorcycle has become an economical choice for some. However, I've also noticed a recent disturbing trend – young bikers who apparently think they are on the “Autobahn”. While “mature” bikers tend to drive at reasonable speeds, the younger cyclists tend to drive at high speeds, constantly changing lanes. They seem to have little regard for their own safety or other motorists. Living in a major city, I'm amazed at the speed these bikers achieve on the expressways (sometimes during rather heavy traffic). If a car were to suddenly cross into the speedster's path, it would not be pretty!
I have a son who has expressed interest in buying a motorcycle, so I want him to be educated about safety. Recently, I read a very interesting article on motorcycle safety in Europe (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/newsandupdates/european_motorcycle_safety_study/index.html ). Below are some of the important points covered in the article that can apply to motorcyclists in the U.S., as well:
The Other Guy is still deadly - Cyclists will collide with cars more than any other object. In half of the collision accidents, the driver of the other vehicle was judged to have made the primary error that caused the crash, and he failed to "perceive" the motorcyclist in 70 percent of the two--vehicle collisions.
Making sudden stops - Going either faster or slower than nearby traffic—was a contributing factor in 18 percent of the crashes.
Don't leave the protective gear at home or wear it casually!!
Youth and enthusiasm - Riders between 18 and 25 years of age crashed more than their fair share, while riders aged 41 to 55 crashed less frequently than the exposure data said they should.
Right there in front of you - The study found that 90 percent of all threats were in front of the riders who crashed as a result of them.
Trained for this? Riders who took some sort of rider training were more likely to try some sort of avoidance maneuver, such as braking or swerving. Untrained riders were more likely to sit there and crash without doing anything to prevent it.
For more information on motorcycle safety:
Georgia Motorcycle Safety:
https://online.dds.ga.gov/motorcycle/index.aspx
The Other Guy is still deadly - Cyclists will collide with cars more than any other object. In half of the collision accidents, the driver of the other vehicle was judged to have made the primary error that caused the crash, and he failed to "perceive" the motorcyclist in 70 percent of the two--vehicle collisions.
Making sudden stops - Going either faster or slower than nearby traffic—was a contributing factor in 18 percent of the crashes.
Don't leave the protective gear at home or wear it casually!!
Youth and enthusiasm - Riders between 18 and 25 years of age crashed more than their fair share, while riders aged 41 to 55 crashed less frequently than the exposure data said they should.
Right there in front of you - The study found that 90 percent of all threats were in front of the riders who crashed as a result of them.
Beware the crossroads - Over half the accidents happened in intersections.
For more information on motorcycle safety:
Georgia Motorcycle Safety:
https://online.dds.ga.gov/motorcycle/index.aspx
The National Agenda on Motorcycle Safety (U.S. Dept. of transportation):
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/motosafety.html
Motorcycle Safety Foundation - motorcycle safety and training:
http://www.msf-usa.org/
Sport Riding Techniques: How To Develop Real World Skills for Speed, Safety, and Confidence on the Street and Track
Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques
Motorcycle Safety Foundation - motorcycle safety and training:
http://www.msf-usa.org/
Sport Riding Techniques: How To Develop Real World Skills for Speed, Safety, and Confidence on the Street and Track
Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques
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