Safe Riding

This page is to offer Safe Riding tips for all bikers. We have all had experiences and have learn information while riding that can be shared with others for our safety as well as others. Please feel free to send tips to me to add to this page. These are not all my tips and if anyone know who authored same, I will give them their due. So with your knees in the breeze here are your tips:

	Avoid a Motorcycle Accident
	More Steps to avoid an Accident
	How to Carry Loads on Motorcycle
	How to Carry Passengers on a Motorcycle
	How to Deal With Road Rage-ers

10 Tips on How to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident

Where do accidents occur?
Accident statistics show the majority of motorcycle accidents occur: at intersections, during passing, or when other vehicles are passing motorcycles. Be alert and ready to react, and always execute a head check (not just mirror check) before passing.
Riding straight
Statistics indicate that a large number of motorcycle fatalities involve riders who have been drinking. Riding requires good vision, balance, coordination, and (especially) judgment - all impaired by alcohol.
Learn to brake properly & practice
Research shows that a large number of accidents involve motorcyclists who do not know how to brake rapidly/properly. Learn proper technique and practice rapid & controlled stops in a safe area once a week.
Splitting lanes
When lane splitting, be aware of open spaces between cars. Many times other cars will change lanes quickly to fill them.
Avoid the Number-One Cause of Collision with Cars
The number-one threat from cars is a car turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. So while riding and an oncoming car is stopped at an intersection, presume he doesn't see you and is turning left.
Check your tires
Bald tires on turns may prove fatal.
Learn about limited traction
Learn what your bike will do in limited traction situations. Street bikes are firmly connected to the ground by their tires MOST of the time. When they are not, as in an emergency, the bike behaves differently, but still can be controlled.
Scan constantly
Scan constantly, keep your eyes moving, don't focus on anything for any length of time. Situation awareness is the name of the game in staying alive on a bike.
When approaching a car at a corner...
When approaching a car at a corner, watch the front wheels and tires for movement as it is easier to see them turn than it is to see the vehicle move.
Be aware of road conditions
Know when it rained last. Know where water drains off of hills through roads (this happens predictably). Stay in tire tracks on urban streets, as oil and street residue resides in the center of lanes.

More Accident Tips

Blame is irrelevant when people are killed or injured in motorcycle accidents. The reality is that it's up to you to stay out of accidents.

More Steps to avoid an Accident

	Wear highly visible clothing (especially at night) and use your headlight, even in daylight.
	Communicate with drivers in other vehicles by using the proper signals, brake light, and lane position.
	Keep an adequate space cushion when following, being followed, sharing your lane, passing other vehicles or being passed.
	Scan your course of travel 10 to 15 seconds ahead so you can identify and avoid potential hazards.
	Remain alert, and always be prepared to avoid a crash.

How to Carry Loads on Motorcycle

Keep the load low. Avoid piling or strapping loads against your sissy bar or the frame on the back of the seat - it can affect the bike's center of gravity and make it hard for you to balance the bike.

	Keep the load forward. Place it over, or in front of, the rear axle. Anything mounted behind the rear wheel can affect the way the motorcycle turns and brakes. It can also cause the bike to wobble.
	Secure all cargo to the seat or pack it evenly in saddlebags. An uneven load can cause the motorcycle to pull to one side.

Tips:

	Check the load whenever you come to a stop in order to make sure it has not worked loose or shifted.
	Consult your owner's manual for the amount of tire pressure suggested for carrying passengers or loads.

Warnings:

Fasten the load securely with elastic cords - rope tends to stretch and come loose, which can cause your cargo to fall and get caught in the wheel or drive chain.

How to Carry Passengers on a Motorcycle

Only experienced motorcyclists should carry passengers. When you are ready, practice away from traffic, carry someone who is light (100 lbs. or less), and follow the guidelines listed below.

Steps:

	Make sure your motorcycle is equipped to carry passengers. The seat should be large enough to hold both you and your passenger without crowding, and your bike must have foot pegs for your passenger. Always provide your passenger with a helmet.
	Modify the suspension to handle the additional weight. Check your owner's manual about this, and make sure to add the recommended amount of air to your tires.
	Give complete instructions before you start, even if your passenger is an experienced rider. Don't assume the passenger knows what to do.
	Have your passenger get on the motorcycle after you've started it and pointed it in the direction you want to go. Ask your passenger to sit as far forward as possible without crowding you.
	Instruct the rider to hold tightly to your waist, hips, or belt. Direct the passenger to stay directly behind you, leaning as you lean and avoiding any unnecessary motion.
	Tell your rider to keep both feet on the foot pegs at all times, as many states require this by law. It's better for balance to do so even when the cycle is stopped at intersections.
	Warn your passenger to keep his or her legs away from the mufflers, which get extremely hot.
	Operate at a somewhat lower speed (particularly on curves or bumps) to adjust for the extra weight. Start slowing down earlier than usual when approaching a stoplight.
	Adjust to the passenger's weight. Notice that the extra heaviness changes the way the motorcycle balances, turns, speeds up and slows down.

Stay farther behind other vehicles, and keep more distance between yourself and vehicles on either side of you. Look for larger gaps whenever you cross, enter or merge with traffic.
The heavier the passenger, the longer it takes to speed up, slow down or turn.

Warnings:
Warn your passenger when you intend to start moving, stop quickly, turn sharply or ride over a bump, and direct them to hold on tight whenever you're approaching surface problems or are about to start from a stop.
Turn your head just enough to make yourself understood and still keep your eyes on the road ahead whenever you must talk to your passenger.
Ask your passenger to help check for oncoming traffic when you're sitting parallel to a lane you wish to enter. Remember, you can't always see around your passenger's head when you're trying to look over your shoulder.

Overall Warnings:
Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity

How to Deal With Road Rage-ers

Violence on the roads has become a serious problem - more and more motorists are acting out their aggressions on the freeway. If you encounter road rage (or suffer from it yourself) keep the following in mind.

	Be aware that many drivers get angry if you follow them too closely. Allow at least a three-second time interval between your car and the car ahead.
	Don’t slam on the brakes if someone’s tailgating you. Instead, signal and pull over to let them pass.
	Clarify your intentions by using your turn signals and brake lights. If someone cuts you off, slow down and give the car plenty of room to merge into your lane.
	Don’t offend other drivers. Make sure you have plenty of room when you want to merge.
	If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over to the right and let him or her by. Remember, you may be "right" because you’re traveling at the speed limit, but you can also be putting yourself in danger by enraging someone behind you.
	Keep as much distance as possible between yourself and another driver who wants to pick a fight. Motorists you might have offended can "snap" at any time, and it’s better to be a live chicken than a dead macho man.
	Give the other motorist the benefit of the doubt. A driver who’s speeding or constantly changing lanes may be a volunteer fireman responding to a call, a physician rushing to a hospital or an undercover cop.
	Allow more time for your trip. Instead of trying to "make good time," try to "make time good." Listen to soothing music or a book on tape. Adjust your attitude and forget about winning. For too many motorists, driving becomes a contest.
	Ask for help if you have a problem with aggressive drivers or if you yourself are getting angrier behind the wheel. Courses in anger management have been shown to reduce heart attacks.

Tips:
"The best way to handle aggressive drivers is to not be an aggressive driver yourself," says California Highway Patrol spokesman Steve Kohler. "And the second thing is to avoid those who are behaving aggressively by not reacting to them."
Although many drivers involved in road rage incidents are men between the ages of 18 and 26, anyone can get aggressive if they let their anger take control. Studies show that anyone can drive aggressively if they're in the wrong mood or circumstances.

Warnings:
Get help if you think an aggressive driver is stalking you or trying to start a fight. If you have a cellular phone, call the police or drive to a safe, populated place, such as a police station, shopping center, or hospital parking lot. If you don’t have a cell phone, use your horn to get the attention of a Good Samaritan who may help. Do not get out of your car, and do not go home.