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In Germany, many people enjoy the warm weather during summer months by taking a ride on their new Harley, Suzuki, Honda or other two-wheeled vehicle of choice.
Motorcycles can be a fun way to see the sights of the local area, but they can also be a hazard to you and others. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, encouraging motorists to share the road with motorcyclists in a safer way.
Even though some reading this might view motorcycles as an annoyance or burden, motorcycles actually help improve the road and environment. Motorcycles provide a great form of transportation for many people around the world, use less resources, cause less wear and tear on roads and increases parking areas.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, crashes involving vehicles and motorcycles leading to minor, major injuries or even death rose 131 percent from 1998 to 2008. In 2007, just by riding your bike down the road, your chances of being killed from an accident were 37 times greater than driving your family car. However, with all things in life there are risk, it is the procedures you take to avoid those risk that matter.
To ensure your safety while enjoying time spent on the roads there are tips to help motorcyclists.
Do not ride in the bad weather conditions. Harsh conditions of German village roads, especially during bad weather, often contribute to accidents. Experts also suggest the use of brightly colored protective gear and avoiding being caught in larger vehicles blind spots. Finally, just follow the rules of the road; use your turn signals at all times and obey posted speed limits. Do not go fast just because there is no speed limit on the autobahns and you think it is cool.
While interviewing Master Sgt. Bragg, an experienced rider of 13 years and the instructor of the motorcycle safety class, he shared some tips for riders around the KMC area.
“You need to always be expecting the unexpected. Being alert for all situations will help any riders,” Sergeant Bragg said. “In the area I have noticed that many people when pulling out of areas they dart to the edge of driveway and exits then slam on their brakes. This is when being aware of your surrounding is helpful.”
Following these simple steps could mean the difference between life and death of yourself and other motorcyclists.
Four-wheeled vehicle operators also play a role in motorist safety and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
If you see a motorcycle nearing the area you are driving, stay aware and keep them in your sight. Most accidents happen when motorists neglect to see motorcycle rides and turn left in front of them. In addition, vehicle operators should keep a good distance between them and other cars on the road, preventing unnecessary sudden stops.
“There is no need to hurry. It’s better to arrive safely than injured,” Sergeant Bragg said.
Follow the rules of the road, as well as these tips, and together we can enhance safety and bring down the serious injury and death rate for motorcyclists and other motorists alike.
So, go grab your safety gear, helmet and motorcycle on the next sunny day and enjoy the open roads of the local area. But remember, although May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, safety is all year-round.
