Much is being said nationwide about the rising number of motorcycle rider deaths. In many states, it has become mandatory that a person take a Motorcycle Safety Course prior to being issued a motorcycle endorsement or license.
In California, there have been many deaths among soldiers returning from Iraq & Afghanistan who buy motorcycles. There is no clear cut answer as to why the deaths are occurring but one death especially among our brave soldiers who survive a year or more in a combat zone is one too many.
A new law in Florida requires that all those who would like to obtain a motorcycle endorsement pass a rider safety course. This law does not affect those who already have their motorcycle endorsement but even the most seasoned rider can learn something by going through a saftey course.
THE RISKS: Nationwide, motorcycle accident deaths more than doubled between 1997 and 2007. Why is that? Is it because of the increase in fuel prices; causing more people to buy fuel efficient motorcycles? Could it be that more young riders are buying sport bikes and do not realize that the power of such motorcycles is to be respected? Is it DUI?
This writer, being a rider, holds the opinion that the majority of crashes involving motorcycles and other motor vehicles is due to the other drivers not seeing motorcycles. People just do not look for motorcycles for some reason. With more of them out on the road than ever, we need to educate people to look for motorcycles and also to make them understand how they operate differently than cars.
Ride Hard, Ride Safe!
Source: Jacksonville.com 10-23-08
October 24th, 2008 at 11:10 am
YES SIR. WE ARE SCHEDULE SOMETIME DOWN THE LINE RIGHT?