BN- As we write this article at Clutch and Chrome, Labor Day weekend is roaring towards us in top gear. We thought it would be a good tim...
BN- As we write this article at Clutch and Chrome, Labor Day weekend is roaring towards us in top gear. We thought it would be a good time to go over some motorcycle safety tips to help our readers stay out of trouble as we all say goodbye to summer.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates roughly 34.1 million Americans traveled at least 50 miles over the long Labor Day weekend in 2013 and expects 2015 to be the busiest since 2008. Part of the reasons why, the national average price for a gallon of unleaded gas is $2.47, a dollar cheaper than it was a year ago.
As if riders need another reason to take extra care in the saddle this weekend, the National Safety Council estimates there will be 405 fatalities this Labor Day holiday.
The final incentive? As always with holiday weekends, there will be extra state troopers on the roads looking for speeding, impaired or aggressive drivers.
What can riders do to ensure they make it back from any motorcycle adventures planned for this long weekend? Before even starting the journey, walk around the motorcycle more time checking luggage and the bike itself. TCLOCS anyone? Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights, Oil and other fluids, Chassis and Stand.
Not to venture into the helmet debate, a full-face helmet gives the most protection since it covers all of the head and face, but regardless of what kind of helmet is worn, always fasten the helmet strap. If the helmet is not secured, it is doing about as much good as if it were on the shelf at home.
All these preparations should be planned for and anticipated as the most important thing you can do is leave early. Take on the highways early Saturday morning or before rush hour on Friday.
Riders should prepare themselves to ride defensively and understand that regardless who is at fault for any highway incident, it’s up to the biker to get out of the situation safely and effectively. Drivers have a metal cage to cushion their mistakes, riders don’t enjoy that luxury.
On that note, avoid road rage. Motorcyclists will never win any argument on the road and it’s not so much who’s right, but who makes it to the end of the journey safely. Usually, road rage starts with frustration which can be avoided for the most part by allowing plenty of travel time. This also helps to discourage speeding and dangerous riding.
Riders should give themselves time to react and respond to any possible hazards or traffic situations by remaining alert and focused on maneuvering the motorcycle. In short, put down the tunes and focus on the road.
Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle and most of the time, the car or truck driver, not the motorcyclist, is at fault. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle, instead unintentionally ignoring them.
The old biker adage of pretending they’re invisible and others on the road don’t see them should keep a rider alert and noticing every detail in their surroundings. Ride with the thought, if a car can hit you it will hit you.
An easy way to make sure a motorcycle doesn’t blend in with the surrounding traffic is to vary speed and finding a place in the lane that not only is the best spot to avoid collisions, but be seen in the rearview mirrors of nearby cars.
When changing lanes, look over your shoulder and directly at the driver of any cars behind you. While riding, always scan the highway and plan escape paths in case a driver violates your right-of-way.
Remember the little things taught in your motorcycle safety class? Cover your brake controls to quicken your reactions, use your horn to alert a driver who doesn’t notice you and always ride within your limits.
Speaking of controls, make sure you brake with both the front and back at the same time. But don’t forget, the front brake on your motorcycle can supply as much as 70 percent or more of your stopping power.
When you’re riding in town and at speeds under 40 mph, always keep a two-second gap between you and the car in front.
Finally, if taking a long road trip make sure to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks to prevent fatigue and tiredness. There are a lot of good ideas and tips in Clutch and Chrome’s ‘How to plan a road trip’.
Any riders going somewhere new for Labor Day Weekend might want to check out Clutch and Chrome's tips about capturing all those motorcycle memories.
We expect to see everyone back here safe and sound!
More: http://www.clutchandchrome.com/en/News/some-last-minute-labor-day-motorcycle-safety-tips090304.html
