ROT Motorcycle Rally: But Can Austin Avoid the Wrecks?
Posted by
Brooks SchuelkeJune 14, 2008 7:54 AMTags:
None
This weekend is the annual Republic of Texas Biker Rally, and Austin will host over 50,000 motorcyclists. Unfortunately, with the growing popularity of the rally, it seems like there are more and more motorcycle accidents every year, and even some fatalities.
Most motorcycle accidents are caused not by the bikers, but by other drivers. Thus, I think it's appropriate that we have some safety tips for this weekend. And there is no better source than Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Ten Things Car and Truck Drivers Need to Know About Motorcycles:
1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don't assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.
7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."
10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.
For all of you reading out there, please look out for all of the bikers out there, not only this weekend, but throughout the year.
And if you're the unfortunate victim of a motorcycle accident, please feel free to call us, and we'll do our bests to walk you through the personal injury maze.