In response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
release of the 2006 Traffic Fatalities and Injuries Assessments, the
Motorcycle Safety Foundation is reminding all riders and motorists that
they each have an important role in helping to reduce the number of
motorcycle crashes on America's roads and highways.
"The
overwhelming number of motorcyclists who wind up in single-vehicle
crash statistics are there because they aren't following basic but
important safety precautions when riding," said Tim Buche, president of
the MSF. "And fewer than half of all riders have taken any kind of
formal training course. We also know that car drivers and other
motorists are at fault a majority of the time in multiple-vehicle
crashes that involve a motorcyclist. We have life-saving messages for
everyone, whether they are behind the handlebars or behind a steering
wheel."
For motorcyclists, the MSF has five critical messages:
Get Trained and Licensed - Take an MSF RiderCourse and get licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Visit www.msf-usa.org, or call (800) 446-9227.
Wear Protective Gear
- Wear proper protective riding gear - all the gear all the time - most
importantly a helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards.
Ride Unimpaired - Never use alcohol or other drugs when riding.
Ride Within Your Limits - Don't ride faster or longer than your abilities allow.
Be a Lifelong Learner - Regularly return for refresher rider training courses to brush up on skills and knowledge.
For car drivers and other motorists, the MSF says:
Look Out for Motorcyclists - Use your eyes and mirrors to see what's around.
Don't Be Distracted
- Hang up and drive, put down the food, the pet, the personal grooming
gear, the MP3 player, and the reading material and save it for later.
Give Two-Wheelers Some Room - Don't tailgate or get too close.
Use Your Turn Signals - Signal your intentions. It's also the law.
Keep it in the Car - Don't throw trash out the window, and secure cargo that can fall out on the road and become a deadly hazard.
"All
of these are all doable, real-world actions that will cut down crashes
and fatalities right now," Buche said. "Above everything else, it's
about the human element, the attitude, the mind-set that motorcyclists
and motorists have, and the choices they make out there on the road."
Since
1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally
recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with
rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public
information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state
agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill
levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible
motorcycling. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by
BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa,
Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call
800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
