SAFETY TIPS
By MIKE Phillips LAWS
GOVERNMENTS write traffic laws to ensure a smooth and safe flow of traffic . As a police officer , I have investigated many motorcycle crashes . A common thread among crashes , whether it was the rider ' s fault or not , is that the rider was in violation of a traffic law at the time of the crash . An example of this is a motorcycle traveling over the speed limit . A car pulls out in front of the bike , causing a collision . Therefore , the motorcycle traveling over the speed limit is a contributing factor in the crash . The most common violations of traffic laws leading to crashes are disregarding a stop sign , failing to yield right of way , and speeding .
One of the best tips I have ever heard for safe riding is obeying traffic laws . I heard this from my father when I first got my first bike . I also listen to it from my Father in Heaven . The Bible states , “ Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities , for there is no authority except that which God has established . The authorities that exist have been established by God . Consequently , whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted , and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves ” ( Romans 13:1- 2 , NIV ).
What do you want to know ?
Judgment can be swift on the road in the form of traffic tickets , fines , arrests , or a crash . God ' s judgment may come in other forms . God also gives His grace to those who obey . “ For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God ' s sight , but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous ” ( Romans 2:3 , NIV ).
At a stop sign , a bike must come to a complete stop before the sign . Put your left foot down . Take a moment to be sure the road is clear . Look both ways , then look again . Be sure the other cars see you at a multiple stop intersection before you pull away . Many crashes happen when riders roll through stop signs and into traffic because they did not stop and check for other traffic .
Failure to yield is another cause of crashes . Yield signs mean you must wait for a clear spot and then enter traffic . Crashes can happen when riders pull into traffic without enough room and get hit . Riders weaving through traffic on multiple-lane roads often cut in front of cars when there is not enough room and get hit .
Riding over the speed limit is the most significant single factor I have seen in crashes . Most of these crashes are within speed limits of 45 MPH or less . These are usually curvy roads or roads with heavy traffic where having enough time and space to avoid trouble is extremely important . For example , traveling at 30 MPH in a residential speed zone , a bike should be able to stop in less than 40 feet . Speeding at 40 MPH in the same 30 MPH zone , a bike can take 20 feet longer to stop . Twenty feet can be important if a car pulls out in front of you or a child darts between parked cars and into the street .
A lack of patience is a major reason riders run stop signs or fail to yield . Riders get in a hurry and do not take the time they should to be safe .
Riders sometimes speed in slower speed zones because bikes accelerate faster than cars , and the rider , not paying close attention , does not realize how fast they are riding . Riders should think about what else they are not paying attention to . Speeding on the freeway is a choice the rider makes to ride fast .
People see how motorcycles are ridden . They will make a judgment about motorcycle riders by what they see . You will be an example to others no matter how you ride . “ Remind the people to be subject to rules and authorities , to be obedient , to be ready to do whatever is good ” ( Titus 3:1 , NIV ). CMA
Mike Phillips is a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation ( MSF ) instructor in Arkansas .
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27⎪JUNE 2022⎪www . cmausa . org