In an earlier posting, I wrote that other traffic is the greatest potential hazard for motorcyclists, and that a motorcycle crash is most likely to occur at intersections. I then passed along some tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for bikers to follow at intersections.
The truth is that both bikers and drivers need to be aware of each other because safety on the road depends on everyone.
Bikers have a slight advantage when it comes to understanding cars because they are most likely also car drivers. Many car drivers, however, have never ridden a motorcycle.
To help drivers understand motorcycles, the MSF in 2007 launched a Web site for drivers called, appropriately enough, Forcardrivers.com, which provides articles, videos, and other resources.
Every driver, whether he or she drives a car, a bus, or a truck, should spend a few minutes on the site. A good place to start is with MSF’s quick tips for drivers: 10 Things All Car, Truck, and Bus Drivers Should Know about Motorcycles.
In some states, taking a biker training course is a requirement to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. In states like Massachusetts, taking a class is optional and an aspiring motorcyclist can opt to simply take the written and skills tests at their local DMV. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you think you don’t need to take a biker training course.
Motorcycles are Dangerous, Very Dangerous
Bikers are much more likely to die or suffer injuries in an accident than motorists. Even low speed motorcycle accidents can cause serious injury or death. The basics taught in a biker training class can help novice bikers avoid accidents.
Practice Makes Perfect
Biker Training Classes focus on developing good riding habits, not just passing a state test. By learning the basics, you’ll have a template for how the best and safest bike riding experience can be achieved.
Did I Mention Safety?
Motorcycles are only fun when you are confident in your abilities to ride safely in all situations. Practicing emergency stopping, running over obstacles, u-turns, figure 8s, down shifting, and defensive driving techniques are essential to staying safe and upright on the road. Don’t under estimate the value of these lessons.
Two bikers were injured Tuesday morning when they lost control of their motorcycles while riding over train tracks on West Warren Road in Ware, Ma.
The riders, both described as young males, were riding separate bikes at the time of the motorcycle accident. One bike hit a utility pole and the other crashed into nearby woods.
Both men were taken to Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware. One of the biker’s is said to have sustained “serious injuries” and while the second biker had “visible injuries”, according to recent reports, but his current condition is not being released.
The motorcycle crash remains under investigation, but police believe speed was a factor.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may need to contact an attorney. Tom Kiley, a motorcycle enthusiast and personal injury lawyer in Massachusetts can help. You can reach attorney Tom Kiley at 1-800-930-8145 or by e-mail.
For those of you who like living on the edge, there are lots of ways to express the love of taking risks. There is sky diving, bungee jumping, wrestling alligators, running with scissors, and the list goes on. For many, the love of the open road on your sportbike or Harley Davidson gets the job done. In comparison with sky diving or bungee jumping, motorcycle enthusiasts seem pretty tame. However, the real story is in the numbers.
You think skydiving is extremely dangerous? Consider this data from the United States Parachute Association (USPA). In 2007, there were:
- 2.2 Million Jumps by USPA Members
- 821 USPA Members Injured in Jumps requiring medical attention
- 18 Fatalities
Now let’s consider information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from 2007.
- 7.1 million motorcycles on US roadways
- 123,000 motorcycle accidents
- 5,154 motorcycle fatalities
In 2007, there were 137.8 million passenger cars on US roadway and depending on your state, somewhere between 25-50% of those drivers are uninsured or underinsured. That’s why it is important for you to consider uninsured motorist coverage. Motorcycling is more popular than ever and each year, more bikes are cruising on US streets.
At the same time, more drivers are lowering or even dropping their vehicle insurance coverage as the economy continues to sputter and unemployment continues to rise. Motorcycles are less equipped to handle even low speed collisions and the result can leave the rider with life threatening injuries and a mountain of medical bills.
Uninsured motorist coverage can be the bridge to cover expenses if you are in an accident with an uninsured, hit and run, or underinsured driver. Additionally, uninsured motorist insurance can be a great supplement to your medical insurance. This coverage is surprising low cost too. For more information, contact your insurance carrier. Peace of mind is rarely this easy to obtain.
