Lesson 13: Save Lives by Keeping the Roads Clean

Road debris is no big deal for people in cars and trucks, but it can result in a fatal crash when faced by unsuspecting bikers. Trash, gravel, and other common hazards can often be prevented by drivers who strive to keep the roads clean. So, take these tips to heart to save lives this riding season.

Keep gravel off the road by keeping your tires on the asphalt. Drifting into the shoulder can cause your tires to kick up gravel on the pavement, which can then cause traction issues for motorcyclists.

When hauling trash, yard trimmings or any household goods, be sure that everything is strapped down securely. Keep an eye on your load while driving to make sure that nothing comes loose during the move. A fallen cedar branch or lost bedside table could prove fatal for any bikers behind you.

Finally, drivers can keep the roads clean by following this age-old rule: DON’T BE A LITTERBUG! Keep your food, drinks, cigarette butts and other trash in the car until you reach a destination with a trash can.

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!

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.