Biker Living
March - April 2013
Once you've spoken the words, "Open sesame" on the subject of motorcycle safety and awareness, stand back, be prepared for what spills out. Yours truly has been around the block with this notion. I wrote a monthly column for years regarding the subject. I have made checklists of things that actually affect the rider. There is mechanical checks, apparel checks, weather checks, mirror checks, fluid checks, checklist checks - check it out.
I was a T.M.R.A. state officer when Gary Dupriest fired the scathing salvo at Mike Manor, then the head of TXDot, which tipped Mr. Manor towards implementing significant changes before his retirement. These included, but not limited to, Share the Road Signs, which can now be seen all over the Texas highways, and electronic billboards at high volume motorcycle events. I sat on the first general safety board of TTI, under the auspices of Texas A&M, and observed the first billboard, placed along the highways warning drivers to watch out for motorcycle riders. For several years I was a member of a team from T.M.R.A. that met with Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, to receive the signed document proclaiming May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.
Before I become too "I" heavy in this article let me clarify my position. This is not about me; it is about becoming involved and supporting rider's safety. The safer you are, the safer I am. Having said that - My contribution to the subject in this article is focusing on something we may tend to overlook during our crusade. While it is worthwhile that we tell the drivers to watch out for motorcycles, and it is equally beneficial that we do everything we can to build awareness, we must never forget the number one ingredient in an accident - the rider.
Who is ultimately responsible for our safety? Who is most affected by an accident? Who will ultimately pay the price in a wreck? Do we expect the driver's to obey traffic laws? What makes us think they are going to treat a motorcycle rider any differently than they treat each other? The rub here is it will be very difficult to get legislators to back a law that treats motorcyclists any differently than any other motorists, much less actually get the law passed. That is not to say the efforts that MRO's make are futile. No, they are vital, but you can see what a grueling, uphill battle they wage.
When riders point a finger at the cages, there are three fingers pointed back at them. Do we really expect the driver to put his blinker on before turning right in front of us? If we see the blinker on, do we expect the driver to wait until we pass before making the turn? If we are in the driver's blind spot, do we expect them to turn their head and look to see if you are there? Is your lane position appropriate when approaching an intersection? So you expect the Semi's tires to remain in one piece as you ride by? Are you going too fast for the road conditions? Do you, as a rider, have control of your riding conditions?
These are but a few things we have to be aware of to survive the streets and highways of Texas. After over 45 years riding around this great country of ours, I have not always made the right decisions. In many instances I have simply been lucky. I am still learning, Ancora Imparo. Your safety is my concern. My advice is simple; re-evaluate your skills and more importantly, your attitude. While we, as a group, continue to fight for motorcycle safety and awareness on many levels, help us out here - develop your awareness, practice your skills and be the largest contributor to your own safety, so you can continue to fight the good fight.
Ride safe - Cappy out.