By MIKE Phillips

12⎪FEBRUARY 2023⎪shop . cmausa . org

CRASH study of motorcycle

Dr . Donald L Green is one of the foremost authorities in America on motorcycle safety . Dr . Green has ridden motorcycles and studied motorcycle safety for over 30 years . Dr . Green has worked developing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider curriculum for many years . Dr . Green recently wrote , “ The most significant cause of motorcycle crashes seems to be the behavior of the motorcycle rider . Motorcyclists continually demonstrate that they do not have enough control or space to slow down , stop or avoid dangerous everyday traffic situations . At least 23 % of all crashes are caused by the rider running into fixed objects ; again that spotlights rider control issues . Riders must take responsibility for the 65 % of crashes occurring away from intersections caused by factors within the rider ’ s control . Riding requires good judgement and the ability of the rider to control direction , following distance , speed , braking , and hazard avoidance . To decrease crash trends we can either correct our collective riding behavior by

increasing skill and judgement or wait for restrictive laws enacted to take away riding freedom .”

There are times when crashes just happen ; however , most crashes can be avoided or the severity lessened by the rider ’ s choice . The rider can ’ t control all the factors leading to a crash , but the rider can control two major factors : judgement and distractions .

Safe riding requires 100 % attention to riding . At 70 mph , a rider that takes his attention off the road for one second will travel 105 feet . A lot of bad things can happen in 105 feet . A common distraction when riding is electronics . Many riders are using cell phones and GPS while riding . In my Basic Rider Class , cell phones are not allowed on the riding range . There have been times when a rider stopped in the middle of a class , with 11 other bikes riding around them , to answer his phone . This is dangerous and has led to crashes in class . I have seen riders on the road take their hands off the handlebars to use their phones . Many riders have their phone connected to their helmet , letting them use the phone by pushing a button . Any time a rider pushes a button or talks on his phone , he is distracted . Riders using a cell phone while riding are not paying 100 % attention to riding .

GPS is a huge distraction for riders . Cruiser bikes with fairings have a GPS screen in the faring . Some riders mount their phone to

the handlebar so they can see the GPS on their phone . These screens are small and hard to see , especially while riding . Riders may need to take a hand off the handlebar to use the GPS . Many times , a rider ran off the road because he was looking down at a phone or GPS screen and was not paying attention to riding . I do not use a cell phone or GPS when I am riding . Those items are turned off . If I need to use GPS or check my phone , I stop in a parking lot to use them . This keeps my attention focused solely on riding .

Poor judgment is the most common factor I have seen in a crash . Judgment starts when you buy your first bike . Get a bike that fits your physical size and the type of riding you want to do . Don ’ t get a bike that is too tall , too heavy , or too fast . Many people get bikes that do not fit them just because a friend or relative thinks that is what they should have . It ’ s ok to start on a small , lightweight , used bike that was not built to go fast for long trips . You can always change bikes as your riding changes .

Rider judgment plays a role in all riding situations . The rider is the only one responsible for your riding . Therefore , the rider must make decisions based on sound judgment and safety . The rider is the only one who should decide how fast he rides . Riding too fast for the conditions is a factor in most crashes . Other choices include when to ride . Riding in daylight in good weather is much

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