By MIKE Phillips |
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PREVENT bikes has been
RIDING called serious fun . Fun because it can be fun and exhilarating every time we ride , serious because riding is dangerous and can lead to crashes . Fortunately for us , we have great tools to help prevent crashes . Bikes have very effective brakes , obstruction-free visibility , excellent handling , and tires made to grip the road . It is up to the rider to use these tools and their brain to avoid the danger that leads to crashes . I call them crashes , not accidents , because I believe most crashes can be avoided if the rider is aware of dangerous situations , trained on evasive maneuvers , and practices good riding skills . Unfortunately , sometimes we get into bad situations no matter how vigilant we are . Here are some ideas on recognizing , avoiding , and riding through dangerous situations . One of the things I have come across on the hilly , twisty roads of Arkansas is a patch of sand , gravel , leaves , hay , or other substances in the middle of a curve . When the bike is leaned into the curve and runs over any of these materials , the front tire can wipe out , causing a crash . To avoid this , enter the curve slower than you need to go .
You can always speed up as you exit the curve . Slow in , fast out is a practical rule of thumb . Enter a curve as wide as you can to increase your vision through
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the curve . The wider you enter a curve , the farther you can see through the curve . Riders can swerve around obstacles in curves by standing the bike up first and then swerving . The rider must lean back into the curve to complete the maneuver . Riders may stop in a curve by standing the bike up straight and then applying both brakes . Do not grab the brakes while the bike is leaned into a curve . This is a natural reaction of most riders ; however , this usually causes the bike to fall into the curve or straighten up and run wide off the road . Both of these actions typically lead to a crash .
Another potential problem is when you are riding on a multilane road , and a car veers into your lane .
Motorcycles fit easily into the blind spots of other vehicles . If a rider can see the car driver ’ s eyes in the car ’ s rearview mirror , the driver can see the rider . However , that does not mean they are always looking . Beware of situations where lane changes become more frequent .
These can be entrance or exit ramps .
Road construction and lanes that end are dangerous areas . See if one lane is moving faster than the other . Most drivers will change lanes to be in the fast lane . Don ’ t linger in any spot where another vehicle may want to be . Look for signs of cars changing lanes . Watch for turn
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signals , remembering many drivers do not use them . Look for vehicles wandering in their own lane .
Look for drivers checking their mirrors or turning their heads around to the rear . Always be aware of all vehicles around you . Traffic studies consistently show nearly 50 % of motorcycle crashes involve drugs or alcohol . Simple rule , do not drink and ride . Do not ride with others who are drinking . Many rides and poker runs stop where alcohol is sold . Riders do not have to drink . Riders should be aware of others who are drinking and do not ride near them . In addition , riders should be aware of any side effects of prescription drugs they take .
Riding is a lot of fun . It is more fun when we don ’ t crash . Preventing crashes is a combination of being aware of your surroundings , practicing good riding skills , and knowing your bike ’ s capabilities to keep you out of danger . When riding , as in life , we should avoid danger if we can . The Bible reads in Proverbs , “ A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them . The simpleton never looks , and suffers the consequences ” ( Proverbs 27:12 , TLB ). CMA
Mike Phillips is a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation ( MSF ) instructor in Arkansas .
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27⎪MARCH 2023⎪www . cmausa . org |