|
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, this nation’s non-profit safety and training organization, again will mark the start of the spring riding season with May’s “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month,” to help focus attention on training programs for motorcyclists, and to ask that other motorists share the road with riders.
Experts from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommend that all motorcyclists: 1) get trained through an MSF RiderCourseSM and get licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles; 2) wear proper protective riding gear, including a helmet made to Department of Transportation standards; 3) ride unimpaired, never drinking or using other drugs before getting behind the handlebars; 4) ride within their own skill limits, never riding faster or farther than their abilities can handle; 5) be lifelong learners, regularly returning for refresher riding courses.
For MSF RiderCourseSM locations, call 800-446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
For a copy of "The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence," please visit major book retailers (in stores and online) or click here
In addition, the MSF offers these links to other important safety messages:
Tips for other motorists, car and truck drivers -
http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Motorist_Awareness_tips.pdf
Pre-ride inspection tips -
http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/T-CLOCSInspectionChecklist.pdf
Group riding tips -
http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Group_Ride.pdf
“The worldwide safety community continues to work on new research and improved training methods to help reduce risk for motorcyclists everywhere,” said Dr. Ray Ochs, MSF Director of Training Systems. “But based on what we’ve known for decades, riders can greatly reduce their own risk levels by taking our five key safety messages to heart. We know from all the significant crash studies to date that riders who follow these rules are under-represented in motorcycle fatality statistics. We would greatly reduce crashes and fatalities if all riders took these five precautions.”
Get Trained and Licensed - “Always take an MSF class, whether it’s the Basic RiderCourseSM for beginning street riders, or the Experienced RiderCourseSM for veteran riders to brush up their skills,” Ochs said. “You wouldn’t get in a car or an airplane being driven or flown by someone without any training, would you? Don’t get on a bike unless you’ve had proper schooling. If you can’t pass the DMV test, you shouldn’t be on a street bike in traffic. You need to have a good understanding of the rules of the road and you need motorcycle certification on top of your regular driver’s license. In some states, if you’ve passed the MSF RiderCourseSM, the DMV will waive a portion of their test for you – which is great, unless you actually like spending more time at the DMV.”
Wear Protective Gear - “Wear the right protective gear when you ride,” Ochs said. “At minimum a helmet, eye protection, full-fingered gloves, sturdy pants, long-sleeved jacket and over-the-ankle boots. No matter what the season, always dress for the fall. With a car, you literally step into the safety equipment. With a bike, you put on your safety equipment, which will help minimize impact and abrasion injuries if you do happen to have a crash. The advanced riding gear readily available today can dramatically reduce or even virtually eliminate the pain of falling down.”
“You want a helmet that’s been manufactured to the standards of the DOT, that’s the Department of Transportation. Look for the label on the helmet, ask your dealership or check the manufacturer web site. Full-coverage helmets, ‘armored’ jackets, real riding pants or leathers with abrasion-resistant materials, padded gloves and boots, and even back protectors – all of this rider apparel will enhance your safety. And when properly fitted, genuine motorcycle gear can even make you more comfortable out on the ride, letting you focus on your technique and what’s on the road ahead.”
Ride Unimpaired - “Never ever use alcohol or any other drugs before or during a ride,” Ochs insisted. “You need to keep your mind and reactions as sharp as possible. Wine or liquor and riding don’t make a good cocktail, and a beer packs as much alcohol as a shot of whisky or a nice Merlot. Alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all fatal motorcycle crashes. And be mindful of the effects of prescription and even over-the-counter medications.”
Ride Within Your Limits - “Ride at a pace you can handle,” Ochs cautions. “Motorcyclists from today’s MSF student all the way to Superbike and MotoGP champions have a wide, wide range of skills on two-wheels. Don’t let others dictate your pace. Slow down when conditions call for it. And, ride only as far as you can go before you start getting tired and lose critical concentration.”
Be a Lifelong Learner - “The MSF has a saying – ‘The more you know the better it gets’ – that is so true with motorcycling,” Ochs said. “You can keep on refining your skills for motorcycle riding, and it’s just more fun that way. Some of the best, safest riders take a refresher course every year. Every six months is preferred. It’s great knowing how to ride well, maintaining sharp skills and putting them into practice on a great road with a fine motorcycle.”
Since 1973, the MSF has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders may enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800-446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
|
