The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Attorney

Ride with a Clear Head
September 24, 2009

Riding a motorcycle requires that both the rider and motorcycle are operating at peak performance. The same care that should go into maintaining a motorcycle should also go into the physical, emotional, mental state of the biker. Many riders feel that because they are experienced, they can ride under any conditions. Sadly, this attitude causes bikers every year to make critical mistakes causing injury and death.

There are 4 main impairments that bikers should recognize that make bikers unfit to handle sport bikes or cruisers.

• Emotional/Mental Issues: Mood swings, emotional highs and lows, or mental preoccupation can cause a biker to exhibit poor judgment.

• Drug Use: Prescription and illicit drug use can render a biker unfit to ride because of the effects on reaction time, coordination, vision, and cognitive functions.

• Alcohol Consumption: Even a few drinks can cause a rider to have impaired judgment.

• Sleep Deprivation: The lack of sleep causes riders to behave in the same manner as someone who is impaired by alcohol.

Before riding, make sure you and your friends are in a stable and sober mood. It can be the difference between life and death.