Spring Is Here - Test Your Motorcycle Safety Knowledge

Forbes

3 days ago

Spring is here and motorcycles are on the road. Unfortunately, not all of us are going to survive. As of the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2022, approximately 6,000 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in the United States. That's 6,000 too many.
2024 Ducati
This number has remained relatively stable in recent years, hovering between 5,000 and 6,000 deaths annually, though it's higher than in earlier decades due to increases in both ridership and traffic density.
For your sake as well as mine (my last safety course was in 2004) I've made up this simple test for you (and me) to brush up on, that we may ride joyfully, peacefully and most of all safely this year.
Question: Helmets are for--
A. Novices who are more likely to fall than seasoned pros
B. Anyone who knows it's not worth it to risk a brain injury on a motorcycle trip
C. Riding in states where they're required, so you don't get fined
The answer: B. No one leaves their house thinking, 'You know what? I think I'll crash my bike today.' That's why they call them 'accidents.' Do a favor for yourself as well as your family, significant other, child or friends – wear a DOT-approved helmet when you ride.
You're angry about something. The best time to take a ride is:
A. While you're still steaming – a ride will give you the chance to cool off
B. When you're a little less angry, so you can ride and contemplate revenge
C. When you've successfully calmed down and able to fully concentrate on the road
The answer? C. Ever see a pro biker climb on his ride to take a lap while he's cursing, spitting and screaming about something? No. Take your cue from the guys who know how to let whatever's bothering them go before they mount, and leave your troubles behind. They'll be there waiting you when you return, promise.
The best time to inspect your tires, hoses, spokes and chain is:
A. Once every six months
B. Whenever you think of it
C. Every time you get on the bike
Correct answer? C. Stuff happens. Tires lose pressure. Unseen debris gets lodged in your spokes. Chains loosen, light bulbs burn out, and the list goes on. You can head a lot of it off by getting into the habit of inspecting your bike before each ride. Take a quick walk around your bike, especially if you're taking the first ride of the day, letting your eyes focus on specifics, and nip problems in the bud.
When you ride, your eyes should focus on:
A. Where you wish to go
B. What you're trying to avoid
C. Your gauges
The answer is A. Your motorcycle will go where you're looking, which should ideally be 12 seconds ahead. If you focus on a guardrail, for example, you'll hit the guardrail. Ditto the back bumper of the car in front of you, the pothole, or that slick-looking spot on the road over there.
If a dog in front of you charges toward the motorcycle, you should:
A. Slow down, stop and place the bike between you and the dog
B. Decelerate slowly, then blast off as soon as the dog is close
C. Maintain your speed and kick at the animal (not kidding)
The answer is B. A dog chasing a car or a bike is acting out of instinct, with no set plan. You can easily outsmart it and outrun it by making the animal think you're stopping, then accelerating quickly out of the dog's range once you've safely moved past it.
Ride safe! JM