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Last Updated: Mar 26th, 2006 - 13:41:45 |
(NAPSI)-Whether you're riding on two, four or eighteen wheels, you can help drive down the accident rate by being alert to your surroundings, say safety experts.
The advice may be especially helpful in cutting down the number of motorcycle accidents that occur annually. Motorists-particularly those who have never driven motorcycles-are sometimes not looking for motorcycles in traffic. As a result, cars and motorcycles often have collisions on the road. Drivers involved in crashes with motorcyclists often say they never saw the bike.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) encourages car drivers and others to watch for motorcycles on the road and respect their right to be there. "Make First Impressions Count" is MSF's motto also reminding riders to follow traffic laws and respect the rights of other roadway users. The group offers these safety tips to motorcyclists:
• Be A Responsible Rider-Wear appropriate protective gear-a DOT helmet, eye protection, jacket, full-fingered gloves, long pants and over-the-ankle boots. Also, know your skill level and ride within it. Use the SEE strategy-Search, Evaluate, Execute. SEE helps riders understand traffic situations and plan (and implement) a course of action to avoid trouble.
• Practice Street Strategies-A motorcycle's lane position can communicate a rider's presence and intention, avoid windblast from other vehicles and help maintain a space cushion between the bike and other traffic. A rider can increase his or her visibility with brightly colored or reflective gear and signaling all intentions to other drivers. MSF teaches motorcyclists to use their "RiderRadar" to scan for hazards ahead.
• Don't Ride Impaired-Alcohol and other drugs (prescription, OTC or otherwise) diminish visual capabilities and alter good judgment. When someone is impaired, it is the responsibility of others to keep that person from getting behind the wheel-or the handlebars.
• Get Trained-The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers rider training for new and experienced riders. Its newest curriculum, the Basic RiderCourse, is available at approximately 1,200 training sites across the U.S. To locate an MSF RiderCourse in your area or for more information about motorcycle safety, call (800) 446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
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