SAFETY TIPS OF THE MONTH

     We are into the heart of the riding season and the weather is finally cooperating. With that said, most of us are going to find any reason to get on the bike and go for a ride. This month I want to pass on some safety information which I hope will help each of you to experience a safe riding season. The areas I wish to discuss this month are: Hand Signaling, Riding Formation and Safe Following Distance.With new members in the Chapter and guests from other chapters joining us, it would be detrimental not to review the material.

Hand Signaling and Riding Formation: To simplify this information as well as easy access for your convenience, click on the following MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) link to group riding quick tips. You may want to print out the group riding quick tips and share them with friends for a safe and fun ride. Many groups may have there own signals. Therefore, when heading out with other groups, hand signals should be discussed prior to the ride so that everyone is on the same page. MSF has a good baseline for all to use. The following MSF main website at www.msf-usa.org has more informative riding tips. At the top of the page, go to library/safety tips.

Following Distance. MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) states that a safe following distance helps ensure that you will not rear-end another vehicle that stops suddenly and will not hit a road hazard (potholes or debris) that you may not see until after the car in front of you passes over it. Following distance must account for three components of stopping distance: First, Perception Distance - how soon you are able to notice a hazard in your path. Secondly, Reaction Distance - how quickly you can decide to take evasive action and third, Braking Distance - how skillfully you apply the brakes. The MSF recommends a minimum of TWO seconds following distance in most riding conditions.  Some traffic safety organizations are recommending three seconds or more because vehicle operators tend to be more distracted these days with cell phones and text messaging. The distance you choose must balance the need for adequate spacing so you can react to a hazardous condition and the need to protect your space. Keep escape routes in mind and cover the brakes in heavy traffic.

From personal riding experience, if you cannot see them, they cannot see you. Stay out of drivers blind spots so they can see you. When riding behind or to the side of vehicles, try to make sure you can see the driver either in their rearview mirror or side-view mirrors. This will help them to see you. This is also helpful to riding groups along with the use of the two second rule. If your buddy can see you in his mirror, he knows where you are so he can react when and if needed.

Have a safe riding season and Ride with Pride

Sincerely,

Blue Knight Chapter VI Safety Officer

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