A deputy sheriff in St. Johns County, Florida was acting as a motor cycle escort for a group of motorcyclists riding in support of the charity Rides for Smiles, an organization that provides medical treatment for children. He had just stopped a motorist who failed to heed the directions of another deputy escort and, with lights and siren activated was attempting to catch up to the main group of motorcyclists; he never made it. Before he could catch up to the other group he was struck and severely injured by a motorist entering the roadway.

Motorcyclists face a lot of safety issues on the road. While collisions with other vehicles are a major issue, motorcyclists contribute to their own problems as well. Let's look at how bad the problems are.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 2009 Motorcycle Traffic Safety Facts:

• 4,462 motorcyclists were killed in 2009
• Per registered vehicle, the fatality rate for motorcyclists in 2009 was 6 times the fatality rate for passenger car occupants.
• Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 25 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.

The states with the highest death rate for motorcyclists are:

• Texas – 393 fatalities
• Florida – 386 fatalities
• California – 385 fatalities

Florida comes in second despite the fact that it is the fourth largest state in population. Texas, which leads the nation in motorcycle deaths is the second most populous state.

Problems with other motorists:

• 48% of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with another type of motor vehicle.
• In two-vehicle crashes, 78 percent of the motorcycles involved were struck in the front. Only 7 percent were struck in the rear.
• In 40 percent of these crashes the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight passing, or overtaking another vehicle.

Motorcycles are sometimes hard to see. In most collisions involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle often said "I never saw the motorcycle." Often it's not the fact that the driver of the car didn't see the motorcycle but rather the fact that they didn't anticipate a motorcycle's presence and failed to look for it. As the bumper sticker says, drivers need to "look twice for motorcycles." When turning left or crossing an intersection, drivers should look to the left for oncoming traffic, then to the right, then once again to the left just in case a small, hard to see motorcycle is approaching. Remember that their small size may make them appear to be farther away than they actually are.

Drivers should also remember that a motorcycle should be given the same respect and space that would be given to another car or truck. Never try to pass a motorcycle in the same lane. Motorcycles are light and can stop much more quickly than a car can so, when following a motorcycle, allow a greater following distance of four seconds behind the motorcycle.

Problems caused by motorcyclists:

• In 2009, 35 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 23 percent for passenger car drivers.
• From 2000 to 2009, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 54 percent
• The fatality rate for the age 40 and older group increased from 41% of motorcyclists killed in 2000, to 54% of motorcyclists killed in 2009. Within this motorcyclist age group fatalities increased by 106 percent over a 10-year period.
• In 2009, a higher percentage of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes had BAC levels of .08 g/dL or higher than any other type of driver.
• Forty-two percent of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2009 had BAC levels of .08 g/dL or higher.
• Reported helmet use rates for fatally injured motorcyclists in 2009 were 57 percent for riders and 43 percent for passengers, compared with 59 percent and 49 percent, respectively, in 2008.
• NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,483 motorcyclists in 2009. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 732 lives could have been saved.
• For every 100 motorcycle riders killed in crashes while not wearing a helmet, 37 of them could have been saved had all 100 worn helmets.

Motorcyclists can't blame all of their troubles on other drivers. Speeding, not wearing a helmet, and alcohol use are all the fault of the motorcyclist. The problem among riders over the age of 40 can be attributed to the fact that a lot of baby boomers, who can now afford that dream bike they always wanted as a youngster, are hitting the road without taking the time to get the proper training. Before hitting the road, motorcyclists should take the time to attend a training course sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The lessons learned could save your life.

Labels: motorcycle, motorcycle rider safety, motorcyclists, vehicle crash, vehicle safety

According to the National Highway and Traffic Administration (NHTSA) review of data published by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System Encyclopedia, there were 5,290 fatalities of licensed motorcycle operators in 2008 (most current statistics).

With warmer whether here and summer quickly approaching, drivers of passenger vehicles will certainly see an increase of motorcycles on the road. Passenger vehicle drivers need to keep in mind the following:

• Motorcycles are small and may be difficult for drivers of other vehicles to see.


• Because of their smallness compared to passenger vehicles and trucks, it is difficult for drivers to judge the speed and distance of approaching motorcycles.


• Many times after a crash involving a passenger vehicle and motorcycle, the drivers of the passenger vehicles often say they never saw the motorcycle and were unable to respond quickly.


• In the event of a crash, a motorcyclist is much more vulnerable and in much greater danger physically than are other vehicle drivers. There are no protections for a motorcyclist such as the protection of the cab of a passenger vehicle, seat belt or air bag.


• NHTSA estimates that 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car crashes injure or kill a driver or passenger in the vehicle.

Here are some Safety Tips for drivers of passenger vehicles:

1. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width. Never share a lane with a motorcycle.


2. Always and it can never be stressed enough, signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcycle driver to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.


3. Keep in mind that motorcycles are often hidden in a vehicles blind spot. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking your side view and rear view mirrors.


4. Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle. Unlike passenger vehicles, turn signals on motorcycles are not self-canceling and drivers may forget to turn them off.


5. Although some road conditions for passenger vehicle drivers are of minor annoyance, things like potholes, gravel, wet pavement or slippery surfaces, railroad crossings and grooved roads often force a motorcyclist to maneuver quickly into a safer lane.


6. Allow more than the 2-second rule when following a motorcycle. This gives the motorcyclist additional time to change lanes or stop in an emergency. Also, never tailgate a motorcycle.


7. Motorcyclists also have responsibilities to passenger vehicle drivers by following the rules of the roadway, being alert to other drivers, and always wearing protective gear including a helmet. (there are states that allow motorcyclists with a certain amount of motorcycle insurance to not wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle).

Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. So keep your eyes open for motorcycles as well as other vehicles on the road and have a great and safe summer. Before you head out on the road, consider taking a motorcycle practice test before the summer riding season as a refresher.

Labels: motorcycle, motorcycle practice test, motorcycle rider safety, motorcycle safety

Bikers can be a difficult bunch to buy for. They are quite particular about their farkles and gear. The following items were selected for universal usefulness and appeal, regardless of the type of rider. You'll find each piece of safety gear to be under $20.00 and provide piece of mind to the biker on the road.

Useful Biker Gifts under $20.00

1. ARES SO-LED FLASHLIGHT: A very handy clip-on LED flashlight that goes anywhere. Available from http://countycom.com; $4.00.

2. AIRCRAFT MECHANIC's KEYRING: Made of stainless aviation cable and brass fittings, these are great for keeping small tools, keys, etc. organized. Available in 6 or 12-inch lengths from http://countycom.com. 6-inch, $1.40; 12-inch, $2.15.

3. HELMET HALO: Your favorite biker may not be an angel, but that doesn't mean he or she doesn't deserve a Halo. This neoprene rubber band is treated with Scotchbrite reflective material and is visible from all angles. Available from http://ridesafer.com; $12.21. One size fits all.

4. GLO GLOVES: The Reflexite material on these gloves is super-bright. Note: The Spandex "over-gloves" are intended to be worn over your regular riding gloves. Available from http://www.glogloves.com; $19.95/pair. One size fits all.

Labels: motorcycle, motorcycle rider safety, motorcycle safety, safety equipment

With the arrival of summer, a lot of motorcyclists will be pulling their bikes out from under their winter tarps and making plans for summer touring trips. For both bikers and motorists, this is a good time to review some motorcycle safety tips.

Motorists need to remember these facts about motorcycles. The highest death rate for motorcyclists (22.5%) occurs during the afternoon commute time from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Fifty-eight percent of motorcycle deaths occur between the hours of 3:00 PM and midnight. There will be more motorcycles on the road during the warm months; tips for motorists include:
• Motorcycles are small and can easily be hidden in your blind spots; double check for them.
• A motorcycle's small size makes it appear to be going faster than it is.
• Normally, the safest place for motorcycles is in the middle of the road so they can look for and react to hazards such as potholes or obstructions in the road. To avoid those hazards, they will move from side to side in the lane. They are not showing off.
• Always give a motorcyclist the same respect and room you would give to a car.
• Motorcycles may need to and can stop more quickly than a car. Remain at least three to four seconds behind a motorcycle in case the rider needs to stop suddenly.
• Motorcycle turn signals are not self-canceling. Don't assume that a motorcyclist is going to turn when you see a turn signal.
• Look for motorcycles at intersections. When turning or crossing an intersection at a stop sign, look left, right, then left again. More than one-third of the crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle occur when the vehicle is making a left turn and the motorcycle is going straight.

For motorcyclists, whether your bike has been put away or not, this is a good time to check your bike for road worthiness. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation suggests that you follow the "T-CLOCS Inspection Check List." T-CLOCS is an acronym for:
• T - Tires & Wheels
• C - Controls
• L - Lights
• O - Oil & other fluid levels
• C - Chassis
• S - Stands

The warm summer months are an invitation to wear light clothing and shorts, but for motorcyclists, protective clothing is the only thing between them and the road surface if they have to lay the bike down. Whether state law requires it or not, safe motorcyclists (and their passengers) wear:
• A DOT approved helmet with a thick (one inch) polystyrene liner and riveted chin strap. The German or "skull cap" type helmets offer very little or no protection in a crash.
• Long trousers
• A long sleeve shirt
• A leather jacket
• Eye protection
• Boots that provide ankle protection

If you haven't ridden in a while, start slow and get a "feel" for the bike's handling characteristics. If you plan to carry a passenger, remember that a passenger will affect the cycle's handling characteristics. Motorcycle passengers will:
• Require a greater stopping distance due to the increased weight.
• Slide forward in a quick stop.
• Put more weight on and possibly make the rear brakes more effective.

Unlike a back seat driver, the passenger can act as an extra set of eyes and their warnings should be heeded.

Have a great summer and enjoy the freedom your motorcycle offers.

For more information on motorcycle safety, visit www.TestQuestionsandAnswers.com .

Labels: driver education, driver safety, motorcycle, motorcycle rider safety

Motorcycle ridership has increased tremendously over the past ten years and with that increase in ridership, there has been a remarkable increase in motorcycle fatalities. While the fatality rate of motor vehicle occupants has gone down, motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled since 1997. According to the federal government, per mile traveled in 2006, the number of deaths on motorcycles was about 35 times the number in cars. To understand what is happening, we need to look at some motorcycle statistics.

• While it is true that most motorcycle fatalities involve collisions with motor vehicles, those types of crashes make up just a little over half of the total motorcycle fatality rate. Almost half of the motorcycle fatalities were the result of single vehicle crashes.


• In multi-vehicle crashes the motorcyclist was hit in the front 78% of the time and they were struck in the rear only 5% of the time.


• An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study showed that the majority of fatal multiple vehicle crashes were head-on crashes in which the motor vehicle was either running a traffic control device or turning left in front of the other vehicle. However, it also showed that the motorcyclist was often either speeding or not in the proper lane.


• Twenty-five percent of the single fatal single vehicle motorcycle crashes involved striking a fixed object such as a tree or a barrier.


• In 2007, almost half (48%) of the fatal single vehicle motorcycle crashes involved speeding.


• In 2007, 41% of the motorcycle drivers killed in single vehicle crashes had a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. In other words, they were legally drunk.


• Sixty-one percent of the motorcycle drivers killed on weekends had a BAC of 0.08% or higher.


• While it is generally assumed that younger motorcyclists take more chances and have a higher death rate as a result, more and more motorcycles are being purchased by riders over the age of 40 and the fatalities among that age group has grown exponentially.


• More than 25% of motorcycle fatalities involved drivers who weren't properly licensed to ride a motorcycle, compared to only 15% of motor vehicle operators.

What does all this mean? It seems that too many motorcyclists are taking the motorcycling ideal of freedom of the road too literally. Speeding and alcohol use don't mix with a vehicle that is so unstable and hard to see. It also means that motorcycle riders are not getting the proper training to keep themselves safe on the road. While most states require that a motorcyclist pass a written test to obtain a motorcycle license or endorsement, only two states, Maine and Rhode Island, require that motorcyclists over the age of 21 receive any type of formal training on how to properly handle a motorcycle. The military has long recognized the need for formal motorcycle safety training, requiring service members to attend a course before they can obtain a pass to bring their motorcycle on base. The military also encourages ongoing refresher training.

While you can't control the actions of other motor vehicle operators, a motorcycle safety course can teach you how to properly handle your bike and make yourself more visible while riding. These courses, made up of both classroom and riding range instruction, teach motorcycle drivers the importance of proper safety equipment such as helmets, gloves and clothing that protect a rider in case he or she has to lay the bike down. On the driving range, riders learn proper clutch/throttle coordination and braking techniques and how to negotiate curves and corners. They also learn road hazard avoidance and how to handle various road surfaces. The experience of the instructors, along with class discussions among students, help to emphasize the lessons learned. Many states allow automatic licensing based on successful completion of a motorcycle safety course developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

To paraphrase a quote from the aviation community, "there are old motorcycle riders and there are bold motorcycle riders, but there are no old bold motorcycle riders." Don't allow yourself to become a statistic; learning how to ride your motorcycle properly will allow you even greater enjoyment of the freedom of the road that motorcycling brings.

Labels: course, driver safety, motorcycle, motorcycle rider safety, motorcycle safety