Riding a Motorcycle Bears a High Level of Responsibility
A Properly Maintained Motorcycle
Slick tires and grabbing brakes make for a risky ride and a breakdown is always dangerous if you have to pull to the side in busy traffic, especially if you have to cross lanes.
Environmental Conditions
Often small plane crashes occur because the pilot or passengers have to make the trip to meet a schedule despite serious weather conditions. The same it true of motorcycle accidents. Always look at the conditions before you start a ride. Be prepared for the worst. Rains make for slippery roads, ice/snow are just dangerous, and cold hands and body will slow reaction times. If you have any doubts, postpone your trip or take an automobile.
Safe Distance
The road is full of idiots who when get lost or confused, just stop. Unless you want to decorate the trunk or worst, keep a safe distance. While it has been suggested an automobile needs a length of separation per 10 miles per hour speed, it has been suggested a motorcycle needs at least twice what a automobile does.
The Intrusive Right Turn
Always assume the vehicle to your right at the upcoming interesection is going to turn in front of you. They are probably thinking of their kids, their job, on the cell phone, or looking for a gas station. Even if they see you, a motorcycle poses no perceived threat to them. Slow down and be in an deceleration mode when appoaching them and look for a potential escape route.
The Fatal Left Turn
Never turn left without watching for some idiot going to pass you on your left. Also watch for a driver, head-on from you, who is going to turn left. They may be watching a car to your right and not even see you approaching the intersection.
Understand Counter-Steering
Often an obstacle appears in front of you and you have no time to slow down. Many of us do not really understand that if we want to swerve right we push slightly on the right side hand grip, instead we tend to turn right by pulling on the right hand grip. That is a recipe for disaster. If you don't understand or believe this concept, take out a bicycle and once you are moving in a straight line at a good speed, apply slight pressures to each of the hand grips, notice which way you lean.
Intoxication
It seems crazy to have to say to a motorcyclist we cannot drink and ride so we won't. But it is not crazy to say avoid those riding times when intoxicated 4 wheeled idiots are on the road. That is Friday and Saturday nights. Someone who is intoxicated tends to run into what they look at and they love to look and envy us riding a motorcycle.
Rider and Passenger Protection
Finally, there is nothing wrong with wearing helmits and protective clothing. Ask yourself this: Why don't insurance companies offer a discount to motorcyclers who wear helmits? Is it that they would prefer you and/or your passenger dead rather than injured and long-term disabled to save money?
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