Motorcycle safety: Spring brings new hazards Published March 12, 2012 By Curtis Carper Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club, chapter 64 SAN ANGELO, Texas-- -- As the snow melts away, the desire to experience the wind in your face gets stronger. Motorcyclists across the country are charging batteries, checking tire pressure and putting a good coat of wax on their trusty steed. Making ready for that first warm afternoon, when they can get out on the highway. Harley or Honda, all motorcycle riders look forward to the first spring ride in the country. After a long winter, with road crews working long hours to keep the roads clear of ice and snow, there is a very dangerous residual leftover from the plowing process. The sand the highway department used on roads. Loose sand is everywhere in the early Spring, it can be found on corners, intersections, main roads and side streets alike. This accumulation of sand presents a severe danger to all two wheeled vehicles. Watch out for loose sand at intersections as well. Stopping too fast on a thin layer of sand will send you sliding into the intersection, possibly into the path of cross traffic. People driving cars forget all about motorcycles during the winter months. Even in good weather in the middle of summer a motorcycle is almost invisible to cars. Keeping headlights on can help, but it's vital that motorcyclists ride with the attitude that everyone out there is trying to kill you. For all practical purposes they are, be it unintentional, but none the less tangling with a car is the last thing a motorcycle rider wants to do. Inexperienced riders, new motorcycle owners, will be on the road in large quantities. With the price of gas reaching the stars, more and more people will be opting for the much cheaper to operate motorcycle for daily transportation. Not only should these new riders be extremely cautious as they have a lot to learn about safety, but the experienced rider can find themselves in trouble because of mistakes made by someone with little or no experience. When you head out on the road this spring, be aware. Know what's going on around you and give yourself enough space to safely navigate around dangers. Motorcycle riding is one of the best ways to experience what our country has to offer. Be sure you enjoy it safely. Safety Tips: Since we are moving into warmer weather and if you haven't ridden much during the winter take some time to reacquaint yourself with your bike. Practice basic techniques such as braking, shifting, turning and swerving in an empty parking lot or other safe area before going on the road. When passing parked cars, stay toward the left of your lane to avoid doors opening.
