Lucas Adcock
Staff Writer
Whether you ride a motorcycle or are petrified of them, motorcycle safety is everyone’s concern; arguably, for the latter. While West Virginia has remained at the center of the list of all 50 states, it has averaged 40 deaths each year for the last few years. Rural counties such as ours, with its winding roads, and an overly prevalent deer, create unique hazards that make awareness critical for anyone on the road.
For the riders: West Virginia law requires that you wear a helmet – safety experts suggest a DOT or SNELL-certified helmet which can reduce the risk of a fatal head injury by nearly 40 percent, and as much as most riders hate to hear it, bucket helmets are not certified by either.
Beyond helmets, a jacket and pants with built-in armor at the shoulders, elbows, and knees, are there to act as a barrier between your skin and the giant belt-sander that you hit when you crash. Tough gloves that are flexible but padded and reinforced; remember, the first thing you do when you fall is instinctively put your hands out. A nice pair of boots that cover the ankle will help prevent damage to foot and ankle. A common motto that motorcyclists hear is: “Dress for the slide, not the ride.” As cliché as this sounds, it will more than likely save your life.
Still for the riders: Check your bikes before you go. Just a once-over – any flat tires? Bald tires? Do a quick throttle test, lever and brake check, if your bike has one, does your neutral indicator light work for Pete’s sake?
Don’t be the rider whose bike jolts forward at a stop light and falls over in traffic. If you’re a new rider and that mental image scares the daylights out of you, West Virginia offers formal training with a Basic Rider Course and advanced courses as well, that – if taken – could even waive some test requirements and lower insurance costs.
For all drivers: Share the road! Don’t be fooled. That motorcyclist that’s pumping the throttle behind you isn’t trying to be a tough-guy, he’s letting you know that he’s there. The louder a bike is, the safer. It’s very common for bikers to blip the throttle just to let the surrounding cars know they’re there.
Look twice. Know your vehicle’s blind spots, and expect bikers around corners, especially up here in the mountains, because they may be hugging the corner as they hit the curves.
Remember, riding isn’t a hobby for everyone. For some people, it’s the only method of travel they can afford. For others, maybe it will be more convenient where they work, so that’s their main form of travel.
You never know anyone’s situation, so out on the road, look twice, listen for the throttle, and share the road!
