Top 10 Ways to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident - Guest Post by Gina Williams

When Gina Williams of Houston, Texas, requested to write about motorcycle safety for my blog, I thought at first that she didn't realize that I am bicyclist not a motorcycle rider. But I quickly decided her topic was important since we all share the road: bicycles, motorcycles, cars. Plus, I can immediately think of 10 friends who ride motorcycles and want them and all riders to be safer. Tragically, Gina lost a good friend to a motorcycle death. This loss inspired her to spread the word on safety through this website. Please share this post with other motorcycle riders and friends. Here's Gina's list:

Top 10 Ways to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident

For every motorcycle on the road, there are nearly 40 passenger vehicles.  Yet slightly more than 1 in every 10 accidents in the United States involves a motorcycle.  Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to injuries and death in the event of an accident.  Given this, motorcyclists must take every precaution to protect themselves on the road. Below is a list of 10 ways to avoid being involved in a motorcycle accident (in random order).

Full Gear Versus Fool's Gear! Photo Credit: National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators

1. Be Aware of Fellow Motorists.

Motorcyclists must be fully aware at all times of their fellow motorists in order to act quickly in the event of a possible collision.  

• 56% of crashes that result in a motorcyclists’ deaths were multiple-vehicle crashes

• Of those multiple-vehicle crashes, 89% involved only 2 vehicles

• For the passenger vehicle drivers involved in two-vehicle motorcycle crashes, 35% of the driver-related factor was failure to yield right-of-way; failure to yield right-of-way is generally caused by a driver’s inability to see a motorcyclist.  

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published 2007 report after analyzing fatality data of two-vehicle motorcycle crashes from 2001 to 2005.  

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings.

Constantly check the road ahead of you for possible hazards, such as animals, debris, and roadway defects.  Hazards can be a direct or an indirect cause of an accident, i.e. avoiding a hazard can be the cause of an accident.  

3. Follow the Road Laws.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and speeding are known causes of motorcycle accidents.  According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcyclists were found to have engaged either in drugs, alcohol, or excessive speeds in 90 percent of motorcycle accidents involving no other motorists.  

4. Do Not Lane Split. Also known as lane sharing, lane splitting is only legally allowed in California.  Lane splitting in other states puts you at risk; other motorists do not expect it, and thus they will not watch for motorcyclists engaging in it.  It simply isn’t safe!

5. Practice Preventative Measures.

Practice preventative measures, such as gripping your bike’s handlebars properly.  Holding your handlebars in a ready position for emergency braking is just one preventative measure you can take to protect yourself.

6. Practice Preventative Skills.

Periodically practice your preventative skills.  Emergency braking is perhaps the most important of these skills.  Laying your bike on its side is no longer the safest option in emergency situations, braking is.  Find a safe location and practice emergency braking; use both your front and back brakes.

7. Rid Yourself of Distractions.

Advanced motorcycle safety classes can save lives

Stow cellphones, your iPod, and other distractions while driving.  Wear properly fitting clothes so that you can ride comfortably and without constantly adjusting straps, strings, etc.

8. Safely Position Yourself on the Road.

Always try to position yourself in a lane that will allow you the most room possible if you need to avoid an accident. In most instances, this will the lane closest to the shoulder of the road.

9. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course.

Motorcycle safety courses are not just for beginners. Advanced safety courses for seasoned riders exist as well.  They serve as a resource for new information and a refresher course for old information.

10. Wear Proper Motorcycle Gear.

Wearing a helmet, protective clothing, shoes, and gloves are a must for motorcyclists. Helmets save thousands of lives every year according to the NHTSA. Protective clothing, shoes and gloves protect riders from the elements and injuries in the event of a crash; additionally, proper shoes and gloves help riders maintain a proper grip on their vehicle. Wearing brightly colored gear is just another precaution you can take as it makes it more likely that you will be seen by other motorists.

Gina Williams is a writer based in Houston, Texas, who is passionate about educating people about motorcycle safety tips. She currently rides a Yamaha FZ1 as a hobby, not as a daily commuter.

For more on safety and Gina's writing, visit http://www.motorcycleaccident.org/motorcycle-accidents-statistics-and-possible-causes.


NOTE from Karen:

1. Here's a good source for motorcycle safety, written by Geoff Drake: http://www.amazon.com/Smooth-Riding-Pridmore-Way-Reg/dp/1884313469/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2

Smooth Riding the Pridmore Way

www.amazon.com

2.  At least motorcycles can't text well driving! (I hope). This is scary info in this article.

"Despite laws, more drivers texting behind the wheel" - Chicago Sun-Times

 http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/9332524-423/despite-laws-more-drivers-texting-behind-the-wheel.html

www.suntimes.com

Bike Theft - The Stolen Bike To Do List and My Condolences

It's been nearly a week since my beloved blue Diamondback cruiser was snatched at night from the side of my house. The frenzy to find it has subsided and I intend to replace it. It was my fourth bicycle stolen during 17 years living in Santa Cruz, California. This latest incident led me to reflect on my stolen bikes, how to prevent future theft and the wonderful nature of fellow cyclists. If you have had your bike stolen, first, let me say, I am so sorry. It can be a heartbreaking experience.

Friends, acquaintances, even strangers rallied around me and my stolen bike tale of woe with an outpouring of generosity, sympathy and offers ranging from becoming my personal body guard to pursuing vigilante-style justice for the thief. One gal offered to host a neighborhood gathering led by a non-violent communications facilitator.  To my fellow cyclists, one and all, thank you!

For those of you wanting to protect your bikes, some tips
In three out of four cases of my stolen bikes (two cruisers and two mountain bikes), I had left them unlocked in daytime for a period of mere minutes or hours; they were snatched by people trespassing onto my deck or yard. No matter the circumstances, with each theft, I felt angry, violated and mad at myself that I had not taken steps to better protect my personal property.

 Don't mess with me! I took this self- portrait with a new, hardcore bike lock to show I mean business in protecting my bicycles after my latest bike theft!

Homeland Security
Also as a result of the crimes, I felt more vulnerable. After the most recent theft of my Diamondback cruiser from outside my house last Thursday night, I had sensor lights installed and am vigilant about leaving two porch lights on to illuminate the whole area at dusk and night time.

Steps to Protect Bike
1. Photograph all bikes, taking note of make, model, brand, serial number and accessories.
2. *** Register each bike with the police. See detailed procedure on how to do this in Santa Cruz.
For your city, I suggest you contact your local police department to find out the steps to take.
3. Lock your bike(s) at all times. Surprisingly, this can become a hassle, but it's necessary - inside and outside - lock them! That includes when they are:
On your bike rack on the car, inside your car, in your storage unit, in your garage, in your shed, on your porch, in your kitchen!


If your bike gets stolen, report it immediately:
1. To the police. Some places, like Santa Cruz, have a handy online police report to fill out. After I submitted the form, I received an email response that included a case number. I reported it even tho I had never registered it with police (my oversight).
I hope you won't need to file a stolen bike report but if you do, here's the website.  http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/index.aspx?page=68
2. Online. Immediately alert your family, friends and bike shops in the area. Ideally, post photos of the bike if you have some.
3. Renter's Insurance/Lock Guarantee. If your bike lock was broken, some companies, like Kyrptonite, have replacement offers. You must register your lock/keys when you purchase the bike lock. Your renter's or homeowner's insurance may cover the theft, as well.

If You Want to Search
Many friends had suffered bike thefts too, and suggested searching for the bike in these places.
I did not pursue this route, in part, because the value of my bike was quite low, and also not sure how a confrontation with a thief or supsected thief, would play out. I would want police backup.
• Craigslist (under bikes for sale)
• Local flea market
• Used bicycle shops - sometimes the frame or parts will surface there

On the bright side - YES, there was one
I was reminded of what a warm, wonderful bike community I belong to.
I welcome your thoughts and resources on how to protect your bicycle!

Bike Licenses in Santa Cruz, California
10.68.110 BICYCLE LICENSE REQUIREMENT It is unlawful for any person to operate a bicycle on any public street or sidewalk, or upon any public path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, unless such bicycle, as defined in this section, has been licensed under the provisions of this chapter or under licensing provisions of another public agency.

A “bicycle,” defined for licensing requirements under this section, is any device upon which a person may ride, propelled by human power through a belt, chain, or gears, and having either two or three wheels in tandem or tricycle arrangement, and which has wheels at least twenty inches in diameter and a frame of at least fourteen inches; or any motorized bicycle as defined by the State Vehicle Code.

You can obtain a license through the City Finance Department
Call 831-420-5050
I called and learned:
Each bike costs $3 to register. Make sure you come in with the basic info for each bike, including, serial number, frame size, wheel size, company that made it, etc. You'll need to come the office in person and pay cash or check made out to City of Santa Cruz.
Office: 809 Center Street, Room 101
Hours: Monday- Thursday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.