Ride Safe USA Safety Tip: According to a consumer report article, motorcycles are fun and fuel efficient. That’s not news to anyone who’s ridden one. But neither is the fact that they’re also way more dangerous than a car. The cold reality is that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than people in a car, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). And nearly half of all motorcycle deaths are the result of single-vehicle crashes. The numbers are even scarier for older riders, who are increasingly taking up or returning to motorcycling after many years. Because of slower reflexes, weaker eyesight, more brittle bones, and other disadvantages, riders over 60 years old are three times more likely to be hospitalized after a crash than younger ones. Still, many enthusiasts enjoy a lifetime of riding without injury. The key to optimizing your odds is to be prepared and avoid risks. Keep in mind that 48 percent of fatalities in 2010 involved speeding, according to the IIHS, and alcohol was a factor in 42 percent. Eliminate those factors and you’ve dramatically reduced your risk.
When taking all factors that could interact and cause a crash into account, removing a crucial one, you guessed it “Alcohol” is the best safety tip anyone can give you. Safety gear would be a close second. Motorcycling is a fun sport and most riders enjoy their weekend getaways. Noteworthy here, most riders are not daily riders hence have skill sets that are not necessarily finely tuned as those of frequent riders. Ride within your physical limits and avoid the “Free Beers” that are too often offered at “destination” motorcycle dealerships. A motorcycle dealerships management and owners that offer alcohol as a regular part of doing business are not acting in their customers best interest and knowingly contribute to “UNSAFE” motorcycle operations. Please ride sober and reject motorcycle dealers that promote drinking and riding on their properties.
Ride Legal – Ride Sober – Ride Smart
Keep the rubber side down
Your Ride Safe USA Team
