While you may not see many motorcycles out and about over the next few days, May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The Motorcyclist Confederation of Canada has a pledge that people (riders, pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicle operators) can take by going to www.motorcycling.ca.
Distracted Driving is said to be the NEW Impaired Driving and while people may typically think that distracted driving pertains to 4+ wheeled motor vehicles distracted riding has also become an issue. Some tips you can pass along to riders:
- Cell phones and motorcycles don't mix - if your phone rings wait until you're stopped in a safe place to answer it
- Don't smoke while riding - it's distracting and you're typically taking one hand off the controls to smoke
- Don't eat or drink while riding - it's distracting and you're typically taking one hand off the controls to eat or hydrate
- Don't mess with electronic gadgets while riding - distracting and your eyes need to be up, looking for hazards
- Make sure your bike is ready - have it check over to ensure it's good to go
- Make sure your gear is ready - proper fitting gear, that's conspicuous and worn is the way to go (ATGATT - All The Gear All The Time)
- Make sure you're ready - make sure you haven't been drinking, make sure any medication you're on won't adversely affect your operation, be focused
ENJOY THE RIDE!