Thunder Roads Colorado Magazine Volume 11 Issue 8 | Page 13

aware of bikes and to not text, eat, apply makeup, play with their phones-- or anything else that takes their eyes off the road. We have to be more aware or how we ride as well. We need to know how to avoid how to avoid accidents and make it to our destinations. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) 2016 campaign is focusing on better awareness of car and truck drivers. They want drivers to go beyond the “look twice” message. Take Action Against Distraction, like the Look Twice campaign, is aimed to increase the consciousness of everyone that we all need to ride and drive responsibly. TRAFFIC LANES To “optimize your lane position” is a catch phrase, but essential when riding on a multi-lane highway. Think of the lane as being divided into three sections, or smaller lanes. The far left, or blocking lane, is generally the best for overall visibility and maneuverability to avoid other vehicles. The center can be less safe if there is debris, oil or other compounds on the road. However, that center area is often the smoothest on wide open roads and highways. Using the far right can make you more visible to oncoming cars entering the road. Keep in mind that every ride is different and things can change quickly. Being prepared and having experience and training is your best safeguard. standards. A SNELL rating on a helmet means that the helmet has tested to a higher impact standard than the DOT standard but both are good safety standards. Look for the endorsement decal from either SNELL or DOT on new helmets – stay away from used helmets, and helmets without DOT or SNELL certifications and any helmet labeled “novelty” since those helmets are not made to any standard of safety at all. STATISTICS SUCK None of us wants to be a statistic, but too many riders end up as one. During 2014 seventy-nine percent of the fatalities of motorcycle riders involved only the motorcycle and no other vehicle. We are our own worst enemies sometimes– not the cage drivers, not the texting teenagers or otherwise distracted drivers. Those statistics also show that many riders set themselves up by riding impaired or under the influence. Again during 2014, sixty-nine percent of fatalities were determined to have the rider to be “at fault” and whether you want to hear it or not, sixty-three percent of those fatalities were not wearing a helmet. LEATHER NOT LACE While wearing black is certainly the coolest look, consider wearing a reflective patch or a bright color to increase your visibility to drivers. Always ride with your gear, especially good boots - never with flip flops, unless you want to lose that little toe! Dress for the ride, but prepare for an accident. Anyone who has gotten a scuff on their leather knows that it is better to have the leathers hit the pavement than the skin. Levi’s will shred once you hit the pavement, and the next layer is your skin so chaps or Kevlar jeans can protect you. Quality gloves are another must, for adequate protection. “Just in case” pretty much sums up how all ride preparation can be described. Sure, many times you won’t need that protective gear but there may very well come a day that you do need it. Keep an eye on quality for your gear. The quality of that gear is important if it protective gear. Sometimes spending just a few dollars more on those boots, jackets, chaps, protective pants and helmets can sometimes make a big difference in the quality. CRANIUM CANDY GROUP FORMATION Riding in a group can be fun, but also takes practice. Use hand signals to communicate with your group, to warn of road hazards, upcoming stops, or to signal the need to ride single file while passing an obstacle. Stay in a zig-zag formation, giving each rider space to react if needed. Use one lane for your group, rather than take over several on the road, so cars can safely pass you. If you see a car that indicates they want to pass, open a gap and let them pass. Stay with your group – don’t leave everyone guessing as to where you are headed or why you are racing a mile ahead of everyone. But don’t be afraid to separate if the group is going too fast for your skills or if it would not be safe for you to follow. Ride within your skillset, not in competition with other riders. Helmets are a personal choice, and each year the styles get better, they provide better coverage and better protection and more comfort. It is essential to feel safe when you ride and a good helmet can help you feel more comfortable. Shop around and choose the best helmet for you. Choose a helmet for its protection and for proper fit and comfort. The best fit holds tight to your cheeks, jaw, and holds firm to your head. Currently there are certifications by Snell Memorial Foundation (SNELL) and by the Department of Transportation (DOT) that indicate a helmet is designed for safety. Both ratings verify helmets through vigorous testing and high www.thunderroadscolorado.com May 2016 NO-BRAINERS • Do not tailgate. Be aware of your cushion of space, and how fast you (don’t) stop. Since car drivers usually can not accurately gauge or guess how fast a motorcycle is going, obey the speed limit. Many accidents are caused by speeding bikes that a car driver inaccurately judges to be going slower, pulling out in front of the bike and well, you know the rest. Make eye contact with drivers when possible, to verify they see you. continued... Thunder Roads Magazine® Colorado 11