Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month – Stay Alert And Stay Safe
As the weather warms up, it’s not unusual that there are more motorcycles on the road. Because of that, May has been deemed Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. And as someone who rides motorcycles, I know there are dangers for both motorcyclists and other motorists.
Anyone who is operating a vehicle must be aware and alert to minimize the risk of accidents, for themselves and those around them. A big part of driving safety includes not driving distracted. Distractions can come from a cell phone, GPS, and even others in the vehicle with you. And of course, you should never drive while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness – Why It’s Important
For motorcyclists, it is important for them to practice safe driving habits. Sometimes motorcyclists get a bad rap for being considered reckless. I will say, from my experience as a rider, I have seen many situations where a motorcyclist had to quickly adapt. They have to be hyperaware because unfortunately, distracted driving or simply not being seen, can lead to dangerous situations.
That’s not to say there aren’t reckless motorcycle riders out there. I know there are many. That’s why it’s not only important for motorcyclists to operate their bikes safely, but other motorists should also do their part in safe driving. My dad has always told me that you can be the safest driver out there, but it’s the other people on the road you have to worry about.
I’ve found my dad’s words to be very true throughout my many years of driving. On a motorcycle or not, drivers of all types are capable of making mistakes. While we can’t always prevent accidents, we should do our best to drive safely and always be aware of our surroundings. And when it comes to motorcycles, they can be harder to see, which makes it very important to check your blind spot.
Riding A Motorcycle
My fiance, David, has been riding motorcycles for years. In fact, I’d never ridden a motorcycle until we met. While I did consider getting my motorcycle license, I decided against it, because I felt I wasn’t an aggressive enough driver to feel confident on a bike. And I don’t mean aggressive in a negative way. It’s more the ability to quickly adapt and adjust according to what’s going on around you.
As a rider, not the driver, I still find myself looking over my shoulder when we’re changing lanes and making turns. We have helmets with an intercom system, so I try to help him anytime I can, without being too much of a backseat driver. While I might never drive a motorcycle myself, I try to do my part in making sure we’re safe. And when I’m in my Jeep, I always make sure I give a little extra room for motorcycles.
Prior to riding motorcycles, I’d never thought a lot about how loud a bike can be. And while the loud bikes can be annoying, David told me that he likes loud pipes because it helps to make others around us aware. It’s true — Loud pipes save lives!
Motorcycle Safety
Being aware of motorcycles on the roadways isn’t reserved for just this month, but something we should always pay attention to. It’s everyone on the road’s responsibility to practice safety and stay alert.
We have many friends who also ride, and we plan on making quite a few trips on our bike this Spring and Summer. Every time we get on the bike, I know there are risks. And believe me, people are quick to remind us how dangerous motorcycles can be. But the truth is, no matter what vehicle you’re traveling in or on can be dangerous.
But it’s on all of us to do our part. This month is a great reminder to share the road with motorcycles. Check those blind spots. Listen for those loud pipes. And give a little extra room for your fellow travelers.
Staying Safe On A Motorcycle
A few motorcycle safety tips to remember if you’re riding a motorcycle:
- Routinely check your motorcycle: tires, brakes, lights, etc. to ensure they all work correctly.
- Wear protective gear. While helmets aren’t required in all states, it can be a beneficial piece in keeping you safe. Also, if wearing an open-faced helmet, you want to wear some sort of eye protection.
- Stay alert. Know that you may be harder to see for other motorists. Give yourself plenty of space.
- Don’t drive recklessly or at excessive speeds.
- Never drive impaired.
Roadside Frustrations: 8 Most Annoying Habits Of Other Drivers
The Lane Hogger
You know the type. They leisurely cruise along in the left lane, seemingly oblivious to the growing line of cars behind them. They show no intention of moving over, despite signs clearly indicating slower traffic should keep right. It’s as if they believe they own that lane and everyone else is just passing through.
The Indecisive Merge Master
You’re approaching a merging lane, diligently signaling your intention to merge, when suddenly you spot them—the driver who can’t seem to commit to either accelerating to merge or slowing down to let you in. They teeter on the edge of indecision, causing a chaotic dance of hesitant maneuvering that disrupts the flow of traffic.
The Tailgater
We’ve all encountered the driver who seemingly has a vendetta against personal space. They ride your bumper with an intensity that could rival a race car driver. Whether they’re running late or simply have a persistent need to assert dominance, their tailgating antics create an anxiety-inducing experience.
The Incessant Honker
Honking is meant to be a communication tool, a gentle reminder to draw attention to potential dangers or to express gratitude. However, a special breed of drivers wield their horns like a weapon of mass annoyance. They honk at the slightest inconvenience, from a fraction-of-a-second delay at a green light to a cautious pedestrian exercising their right of way.
The Distracted Doodler
We’re all aware of the dangers of distracted driving, yet some individuals choose to engage in activities outside the confines of a moving vehicle. From applying makeup and eating full meals to scrolling through social media or engaging in animated conversations, these drivers treat their cars as mobile living rooms. Their lack of focus puts us all at risk, and we can’t help but wonder if they have forgotten that driving requires undivided attention.
The Fast Lane Snail
The left lane, aka the fast lane, is meant for, well, going fast. But there’s always that one driver who decides to take a leisurely Sunday drive right there, blocking everyone else behind them. This forces other drivers to undertake risky maneuvers to overtake them, leading to frustration and potentially dangerous situations.
The Traffic Rule Ignorer
Traffic rules exist for a reason. To maintain order, safety, and efficiency on the roads. However, some drivers seemingly view these rules as mere suggestions. They run red lights, ignore stop signs, and make illegal U-turns with complete disregard for the potential consequences. Their actions create chaos and put everyone around them at risk.
The Turn Signal Skippers
It’s like these drivers believe that turn signals are optional car accessories. They change lanes or make turns without a single blinker in sight, leaving the rest of us to play mind readers and guess their next move.
