WHAT AUTO & TRUCK DRIVERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOTORCYCLES

I'm an avid motorcycle rider who enjoys this exhilarating activity whenever the weather is fine, and I have time to do so.

However, I was inspired to send this message to all of you after a disturbing incident that occurred while riding last Sunday. I was exiting a parking lot, when suddenly a big red SUV driven by a young woman swerved in front of me from another lane going the same direction. When I pulled next to her and asked if she had seen me crossing the road, the woman completely ignored me and drove on her way without a word. 

I have learned to take such actions in stride, as people have all sorts of notions about riders, and one of the first rules of riding is to "ride like you are invisible" because in fact, most people do not even see us. 

So here is my message to all of you and "10 Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know about Motorcycles".

                             PLEASE READ

* Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Most of the time, the motorist, not the motorcyclist, is at fault. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle - they ignore it (usually unintentionally).

*Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car's blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to look for motorcycles, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.

*Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle's speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

* Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

* Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

* Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.

* Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.

*Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."

* When a motorcycle is in motion, see more than the motorcycle - see the person under the helmet, who could be your friend, neighbor, or relative.

* If a driver crashes into a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian and causes serious injury, the driver would likely never forgive himself/herself.

When you see a motorcycle, think of it as more than a machine. The motorcycle has a rider who is someone's son, daughter, spouse or parent. Unlike other motorists protected by doors, roofs and airbags, motorcyclists have only their safety gear, and are at much greater risk from distracted or reckless drivers --

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING THIS MESSAGE. 

I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOU PASSING IT ON TO OTHERS 

                  Robert "Han" Bishop (6-3-11)