Motorcycle Awareness for the Clueless – Lesson 12
May 23, 2014
Lesson 12: Play it safe, give bikers more space!
Welcome back for the 12th lesson in our Motorcycle Awareness Month series.
There are many reasons to give motorcyclists more space when following in traffic. For one, they can brake quicker. Motorcycles don’t have as much weight, so they tend to slow down at a much quicker pace than 4-wheeled vehicles. They also face more hazards, and are forced into situations that require quicker emergency braking more often. Road debris, distracted drivers, potholes and other traffic dangers are a constant threat when riding a motorcycle, so the possibility for fast deceleration is always there.
Motorcyclists also tend to notice and react to changes in traffic more quickly than drivers. Because they aren’t surrounded by four doors and a roof, they are more alert. Therefore, a biker may begin braking for a red light or stop sign long before other drivers even notice the intersection.
Since fender benders can result in a fatal injury when the collision involves a motorcycle, it is best to play it safe and allow plenty of following distance. So, don’t forget this most basic of motorcycle awareness lessons: Give motorcyclists more space!
Motorcycle Awareness for the Clueless – Lesson 11
May 22, 2014
Lesson 11: Roaring Engines Double as Warnings
For some drivers, it can be quite jarring to hear a motorcycle loudly rev up next to them in traffic. Sometimes bikers are simply showing off their engines, however, other times this loud noise can double as a warning when used in moving traffic.
Since many motorcycle horns aren’t nearly as loud as the engines they sit upon, motorcyclists sometimes rev up their engines to make enough noise for other drivers to know that they are there. This can be an effective technique when people in cars and trucks try to change lanes while the biker is in their blind spot.
So, if you hear an engine roar and a biker quickly ride past you, don’t be offended, and don’t take it as an invitation to drag race. This is simply a way of being noticed, and thereby avoiding getting run over by trucks and cars on the road.
Truck Stops, Pit Stops, and other Over-The-Road Sanctuaries
May 21, 2014
Buc-cee’s is a gas station chain known for its enormous parking lots, endless gas pumps, huge, sparkling-clean bathrooms, and shopping mall-like selection hot food, snacks, groceries, clothes, souvenirs, camping gear, BBQ supplies, and even toys. It’s the type of place where you can happily waste hours shopping, as well as a quick in-and-out for drivers in a hurry (the incredible number of gas pumps, toilets, and employees means you never have to wait in line).
Iowa 80 Truck Stop
I-80, Exit 284
Walcott, IA
Famously known as the largest truck stop in America, this place has parking for up to 800 rigs, and features a dentist office, dog wash, barbershop, customized truck accessories and even a truck museum.
I-80, Exit 21
Sparks, NV
A trucker casino in the casino-state, the Alamo Plaza features 20 acres of parking, 260 slot machines, blackjack tables and keno.
Derrick Plaza Truck Stop
I-85, Exit 71
Salisbury, NC
A truck stop that saves you gas! The Derrick Plaza features electricity stations so drivers can power their rigs and run heat, AC and appliances without wasting a drop of gas. They also have a great 24-hour restaurant, 24-hour chapel and a barbershop.
Jubitz Travel Plaza
I-5, Exit 307
Portland, OR
The Jubitz Travel Plaza is a sweet salvation when truckers are starved for a night out. This stop features live music, a dance club, an arcade, cinema, fine dining and upscale hotel suites
Highland Petro Stop
I-94 and Highway 20, Exit 333
Racine, WI
Stop here for some over-the-road pampering. Highland Petro Stop features walk-in chiropractic services and a hair salon.
Lodi Travel Center
I-71 and I-76 at Route 224, Exit 209
Seville, OH
The Lodi Travel Center brings a little modern class to life on the road with marble showers, a Starbucks and an internet lounge.
Little America
I-40, Exit 198
Flagstaff, AZ
A grand trucker-resort of sorts, with the convenience of a lounge, showers, laundry and truck service station as well as tempting extras such as western wear, boots, and Native American art and jewelry. There are also luxury hotel accommodations for those who feel like indulging.
Florida 595 Truck Stop
Intersection of I-595, 441, and the Florida Turnpike
Davie, FL
Stop here for the Tiki bar, spa, game room and chrome shop. Or, cure what ails your at the medical and dental clinic.
I-80, Exit 312
Grand Island, NE
Find all the conveniences of home at this travel center, with banking and mailing services, large showers, laundry facilities and a game room.
Clearwater Travel Plaza
Hwy 24, off I-94, exit 178
Clearwater, MN
Not your average truck stop – the Clearwater Travel Plaza serves up gourmet sandwiches and burgers on fresh-baked bread, and features a gift shop and book store.
Motorcycle Awareness for the Clueless – Lesson 10
May 21, 2014
Lesson 10: Why You Should Always Look Before Opening Your Door
Finding a place to park can be difficult at times, especially downtown where everyone wants to work & play. So when you finally find that coveted parking spot, carefully maneuvre into place with your parallel parking skills, and find your change for the meter, you may feel like it’s time to breathe a sigh of relief and rejoice in the conclusion of your downtown driving struggle. However, there is one last measure you must take before exiting the vehicle: CHECK FOR MOVING TRAFFIC BEFORE OPENING THE DOOR!
Opening your car door at the wrong time could cause serious damage if struck by another car or truck, and opening your car door when a motorcycle is passing by could cause serious injury or even death. So, prevent this unfortunate accident from happening by checking twice before exiting your vehicle.
Motorcycle Awareness for the Clueless – Lesson 9
May 19, 2014
Lesson 9: Motorcycle Clubs Are Not Criminal Gangs
Contrary to popular belief, motorcycle clubs (MC’s) are not criminal gangs. In fact, as a whole, the motorcycle community donates more to the needy than any law enforcement agency in the United States. Bikers giving to charities might not make a great plot for Sons of Anarchy, but it’s a lot closer to the truth than any TV show. So, look twice to save a life, because that biker might just be donating to a cause that could one day save you.
Motorcycle Awareness for the Clueless – Lesson 8
May 16, 2014
Lesson 8: Don’t leave it all up to the mirrors
When changing lanes, a driver should never rely solely on side and rear view mirrors. A blind spot exists on every vehicle, big or small, and nothing short of a full glance over the shoulder can ensure a safe lane change. Even if you think your mirror positioning is so perfect it can detect everything, chances are you won’t be able to spot a motorcycle in your blind spot. So always be sure to take a quick look over the shoulder, hit the blinker, and change lanes safely!
A big THANK YOU! to Bikers Against Texting for the picture-perfect image of this age-old lesson. Be sure give these guys a like in support of the cause.
Motorcycle Awareness for the Clueless – Lesson 7
May 14, 2014
Lesson 7: Don’t Text and Drive
For motorcyclists, there are few things more hated than TWIT’s (people who Text While In Traffic). This common distraction causes lane drifting, late braking, erratic navigation and all the other usual hazards of driving while distracted, most notably, traffic collisions. So, toss that phone in the back seat while you’re on the road and keep your eyes and mind on the task at hand: driving.
E-Log Study Shows Lower Crash Rates
May 13, 2014
The FMCSA has released a study on e-logs, which shows that carriers using electronic logging devices have lower crash rates. However, the study is skewed to bigger carriers. See the full story here:
Motorcycle Awareness for the Clueless – Lesson 6
May 13, 2014
Lesson 6: Don’t Throw Anything Out the Window!
First of all, trash should never go out the window. Littering is both illegal and immoral. That’s a no-brainer. However, drivers also ditch compostable food such as fruits and vegetables, as well as dump out their ice or drinks while driving.
Now, imagine what might happen if your leftover ice or thrown-out banana peel landed in front of an unassuming biker. Anything that goes out the window poses a big threat to motorcyclists behind you, whether it hits them or lands on the ground and becomes a road hazard.
Another dangerous and often-unconsidered hazard is cigarette butts. Drivers often flick these out the window without a second thought, and they have been known to get stuck in motorcycle helmets or worse (for those riding without a visor or no helmet at all). Besides the risk to motorcyclists behind you, cigarette butts can also cause wildfires.
Motorcycle Awareness for the Clueless – Hill Country Driving Tips
May 11, 2014
Lesson 5: Hill Country Driving Tips
The weather is beautiful and the spring flowers are out, so take the scenic route safely with these hill country driving tips!
Curvy, hilly, winding country roads are a biker’s natural habitat. The killer combination of low traffic and natural hill country beauty make them ideal for summer rides. When driving on these scenic routes, it would be wise to learn a few tips about motorcycle awareness.
The hill country landscape is a tricky one. Tight curves and hills are great at blocking your view. Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain your lane and take extra caution when making left-hand turns.
Driving slowly always makes the road safer. Take this critical tip to heart when driving through the hill country, since narrow roads and low-speed curves can be especially dangerous. Some motorcyclists tend to veer very close to the center stripe when they misjudge a curve… as do plenty of cars. So, it’s always best to just take it easy and drive a little slower.
Finally, when driving behind bikers, be sure to give them plenty of space. The blocked views from hills and curves can result in sudden deceleration, and since motorcycles can slow down much quicker than cars, drivers should always allow plenty of following distance.
Now mind those winding roads and have a safe drive!