May is Motorcycle Safety Month

  • Published
  • By Allan Woods
  • Installation Motorcycle Safety Program manager
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has provided some good information for all riders to help get started with the 2010 safe riding season.

May is the month of motorcycles and motorcyclists. The sun shines, the birds sing and riders across the country swing their leg across their two-wheeled steeds to hit the open road. This month, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation would like to remind all riders of a few basic rules to follow to ensure that everyone, riders and non-riders alike, can enjoy a beautiful and safe spring season.

1. Get properly trained and licensed -- The best first ride is an MSF RiderCourse. Riding is serious fun and proper training is crucial. However, half of all riders today have never taken a proper safety class. To help motorcyclists earn an endorsement or license, MSF offers progressive instruction to motorcyclists of all skill levels, starting with the Basic RiderCourse for beginning riders that includes classroom instruction and riding exercises in a controlled environment. Riders who already have basic skills and a license can hone their techniques in The Experienced RiderCourse. MSF recommends every new rider enroll in the Basic RiderCourse and encourages riders to get as much training as possible, no matter how skilled they may be. Even the pros practice the basics to keep their skills sharp.

2. Wear all protective gear all the time -- T-shirts and shorts are good for the beach, but not for riding a motorcycle. Riders should gear up properly before every ride, even if just riding down the street on an errand. Wearing a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and eye protection is the law in many states, and is strongly recommended everywhere else. Wearing boots that cover over the ankle, long pants and a riding jacket is also advisable. Built-in body armor is a smart addition, and can look pretty cool, too.

3. Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs -- Bikes and booze don't mix. Government studies show that 46 percent of riders killed in motorcycle crashes had been drinking. While under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, a motorcyclist's necessary skills, including agility, perception and awareness, are decreased dramatically. In fact, having blood-alcohol content greater than 0.05 percent increases the risk of crashing by about 40 times. While it is bad enough to try to get behind the wheel of a car while buzzed or drunk, hopping on a machine that requires maximum control and concentration is simply stupid.

4. Ride within your own skill limits and obey traffic laws -- Every rider should know the limits of their ability, and not attempt to exceed them. Humans weren't designed to fly, and unless you're a trained professional on a closed course, stunting, high speed and tricks can only cause you trouble. Follow all traffic laws and be conscious of how road conditions may affect your riding. MSF now offers an online Rider Perception Challenge to help riders gauge and improve their visual awareness of road signs and common collision traps, which can be taken free at http://www.msf-usa.org/riderperception. Using sharp skills and common sense will keep you alive; trying to be Superman will not.

5. Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher RiderCourses -- Motorcyclists should keep in mind that no matter how often or how long they've been riding, there is always room to learn something new. Taking an advanced course to brush up on the basics and work on perfecting current skills is a smart move for any rider.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation hopes riders will follow these rules and suggestions for everyone's benefit, and to ensure a safe Motorcycle Awareness Month for 2010.

To schedule an on-base course go to https://www2.hill.af.mil/moto/app/index.php

If you are interested in an off- base course, contact Utah Rider Education at (801) 394-6564. They offer the same courses offered at Hill Air Force Base.