Although the bulk of the responsibility rests on the rider's shoulders, there are others who are also responsible for a rider's safety. The distracted driver, the tailgater and every other driver of a motor vehicle also possess a responsibility for a rider's safety. Motorcycles have as much right to the roadway as any other vehicle. Drivers need to look out for us on the road and give us the room we need to maneuver.
Another riding season is upon us and with that comes the increased potential for needless injury and loss of life to Soldiers who ride motorcycles. As a fellow rider, I know we can reduce injuries and fatalities if we RIDE SAFE every time we operate a motorcycle, whether it is to and from work, on a weekend ride with friends or a solo trip to your favorite destination.
Ride within your capabilities on every ride and resist the temptation to crack the throttle open. For those of us who ride, this can be a difficult temptation to resist, especially if there is an open stretch of road without traffic. We all know that it's not the right thing to do but, unfortunately, many will not be able to resist. Find a reputable advanced motorcycling course and enroll. You will find out more about your capabilities (and shortcomings) in one day than in years of discovery learning. There are many schools available. And while the cost may seem steep at first, compared to the cost of replacement parts for your bike, raised insurance rates, other associated fines and the increased potential for injury or death, you'll find that a track day is much cheaper.
Identify potential hazards using the RiderRadar method you learned in the Basic RiderCourse. Use the 2-, 4- and 12-second scan technique. Establish a 2-second following distance, 4-second immediate path and 12-second anticipated path. To refresh your memory of this method, review the BRC book you received when you completed the training. Identifying a hazard is not limited to only those we personally encounter on the road. If you know someone who is riding untrained and without a license, you need to intervene. If you are operating a motorcycle without the training required by Army Regulation 385-10, you may be subject to any punitive options available to your commander.
Decide on a proactive course of action for the common hazards you encounter. As riders gain experience, they typically perform this mental task so often it becomes second nature. This includes scanning the road surface for potholes, tar snakes, loose dirt and gravel. Also, check the weather and treat each road intersection as if it were an "ambush zone," developing a course of action for each. Constantly evaluating potential hazards and having a course of action ready means it'll take less time to execute and you'll greatly reduce your potential of being involved in an accident.
Evade the hazards you encounter. This can be as simple as slowing down prior to entering the ambush zone mentioned earlier. Slowing down to avoid being ambushed can keep you from having to make it up as you go or rely on rusty skills to get you out of a potentially deadly situation. The Army trains you not to enter an ambush zone or, if you find yourself in one, how to get out! The thinking behind those combat skills translates well to the highway.
Street smarts will save your life by helping you make disciplined decisions to keep you from putting yourself into dangerous situations. Resist the urge to crack the throttle open or ride when you are fatigued or angry, and don't make the stupid choice to ride after consuming alcohol. You must be mentally engaged at all times when riding a motorcycle, and consuming alcohol slows response time. Lane positioning is also critical, place yourself in traffic so that you're easily seen and separate your motorcycle from other vehicles. You will see emerging traffic problems more quickly and clearly and have more time and space to respond.
Always wear protective gear on every ride, even if it is just down to the corner to put gas in your bike. The helmet is the most important component of protective gear and it must meet Department of Transportation standards. Full-face helmets provide the most protection, and the rest of your gear should also be specifically designed for motorcycle riding.
Frequent skill improvement is now mandatory per AR 385-10, but it is also a good idea to complete on your own. Good riders know when they need to brush up on their skills because riding skills perish if not refreshed. Practice with your fellow riders and consider attending a track day event.
Enjoy the ride! The recent changes to AR 385-10 aren't intended to make it more difficult for Soldiers to ride motorcycles, but to make it safer so they can enjoy riding for many years to come. If you see a fellow rider struggling, provide mentorship. If you have questions, ask. As riders, it's up to us to be responsible for our conduct and that of other riders if we're to protect our riding privileges. RIDE SAFE!
Social Sharing