More two wheeled vehicles on the road now that it's spring- be alert

  • Published
  • By Allan Woods
  • 75th Air Base Wing Motorcycle Safety Program manager
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  More two wheeled vehicles on the road now that it's spring - be alert

Welcome to March in Utah when spring is in the air, at least every two or three days. This is a time when we experience winter and spring weather conditions almost daily. Mother Nature can't seem to make up her mind. We'll have 6 inches of snow on Monday then mid 50s on Tuesday. Who knows what Wednesday will bring?

This is also the time of year when we start seeing motorcycles and bicycles back on the roads in larger numbers. As motorists, we also see more pedestrians walking and jogging along the roadsides and crossing in front of us regularly. Pedestrians, especially children, may enter a crosswalk or roadway at any time.

We are all responsible to watch out for each other and share the road. It doesn't matter if we choose to drive, ride or walk. We all have the right to use the roadways and none of us are more important than the other. We are all equal on the roadway. The only differences are vehicle size, weight and stopping distance, which can create devastating results if others are ignored.

As vehicle operators it is our responsibility to take extra precautions to watch out for others, since we can cause the most damage with the weight and power of our vehicles. When stopped at stop signs, traffic signals or simply pulling out of a driveway, we need to take an extra second and look closely a second time specifically for motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians before pulling out into traffic. We are not used to seeing them since most of them were dealing with their winter routine and not riding or walking much. Good weather always brings everyone out of hibernation, so we need to pay close attention out there at all times.

We also need to put away the distractions. Your cell phone will take a message for you. Your text message will be waiting for you when you park your vehicle. Put your food away. You will have a much more satisfying lunch if you stop and get out of your vehicle and find a place where you can relax and enjoy your meal. You will find you have less food stains on your clothes as well.

It only takes a split second to seriously injure someone, or worse. It is far too easy to overlook two wheeled traffic as well as pedestrians, which is why we need to constantly be on the lookout. Make them a regular part of your search pattern.

As motorcycle operators we need to make sure we are riding within the speed limit and more importantly within the limit of our abilities. Just because our motorcycles will go 0 to 60 in a couple of seconds, doesn't mean that we need to prove it each time we stop and go. We need to pay close attention to road and weather conditions as well as the condition of the other vehicles around us. Are they going too fast or too slow for current conditions? Are they pre-occupied or distracted with their cell phone, passengers, music, food or make up? Do they appear to be tired or intoxicated? These are all disasters waiting to happen! Don't let yourself fall into a disastrous situation. Always leave yourself a way out! Never assume vehicle operators see you or hear you because you may have loud pipes. It is very important to make eye contact with vehicle operators as you ride near them so you know that they know you are there. This is also true for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians wearing bright colors will usually make a difference during the day and wearing reflective gear will help to be seen at night.

My message is simple: When you are operating your vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle traveling down the road, focus on the job at hand. Look out not only for your safety, but the safety of everyone around you as well.

If we will all commit to being defensive drivers and share the road, far more of us will be able to celebrate another birthday in the upcoming year.