Watch Out For The Motorcycles

The weather has turned warm again in Maryland. The flowers are being planted, the grass is being mowed. Families are starting to take advantage of the warm evenings by cooking their dinner on the outdoor grills.

Some are planning day trips to Baltimore’s many attractions, while others are planning the yearly pilgrimage to Ocean City. But, a select few are waxing the metal flaked paint and polishing the chrome of their two wheeled steeds. That’s right folks... motorcycle riding season has begun.

Now, when I am not writing a blog about the beauty of the azaleas in our town, or reminiscing about the days of old, you can find me riding my beautiful Orioles-themed motorcycle through the scenic roads of Maryland with my brothers and sisters of The SOB. Even though I do most of my riding through the twisty turning back roads, on occasion I do ride downtown to Canton for a meal at Nacho Mammas, or to Camden Yards to watch my beloved Orioles play.

Both types of riding have different inherent dangers. The proper safety equipment andregular maintenance can lower some of these risks. However, the one hazard that a biker cannot always prepare for is carelessness of a distracted driver in a car.

Throughout the winter months, drivers see few motorcyclists on the roads and when spring time comes they have become complacent when it comes to motorcyclists. However, there are three things that a driver can do to help insure the safety of motorcyclists on our roads.

First, when you are on a two lane back road, slow down and stay in your lane. Countless times I have been riding and have had a car come over into my lane. If a driver is crossing the double yellow line in a curve they are driving too fast.

No one leaves the house planning to hit a biker head on, but careless driving and high speed can result in disaster.

Secondly, when motorcyclists ride in a group they usually ride in a close, staggered formation. Motorcyclists do this so that they will be easily seen and so that they
can watch out for their fellow riders. Few things are more dangerous than when a car changes lanes and, tries to wedge into a ride formation. Slow down and let them pass, cutting in to a ride formation could cause a chain reaction that could be catastrophic.

And lastly, but maybe the most important…. HANG UP THEPHONE!!! Whenever I am riding and I see a car moving back and forth in the lane ahead of me, I also see someone talking on the phone.

The worst thing is when a motorcyclist is riding at 55 mph and look over and see someone texting. I often think what it must be like to have to explain to a motorcyclist’s family that their relative has been hurt in an accident because someone was texting “LOL”. Texting and driving is a crimeand, no laughing matter, and so is talking on the phone while driving in Maryland, if you are holding the phone…go buy the earpiece.

My hope is that everyone has a safe and enjoyable, riding season. Everyone, please lets watch out for the motorcycles that we share the road with.