Broward College Offers Motorcycle Safety Tips

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (May 1, 2015) – Motorcyclists share the roads with cars but are at an increased risk since motorcycles are not equipped with the same safety features as an automobile. During Motorcycle Safety Month, commemorated in May, Broward College’s Coordinator of Public Safety Programs Russell Sanders is offering several safety tips for both motorcyclists and drivers.  

Driving cautiously saves lives. Before changing lanes, drivers should always check twice. Due to their small size, motorcycles are not always noticeable and can easily be in a driver’s blindspot. To avoid collisions that could be fatal for motorcyclists, drivers should not only look but listen for motorcyclists, since many have loud exhaust systems to draw drivers’ attention.  

Similarly, motorcyclists should be defensive and on high alert at all times, since distracted driving severely shortens reaction time. For motorcyclists, even a split second spent looking at a cell phone can make the difference between staying safe and getting into an accident. That is why it is crucial to remove all possible distractions from reach and concentrate solely on the roadway.

All drivers and motorcyclists should keep a safe following distance between vehicles. Unfortunately, this is a mistake many people make, and for bikers, this can be a major problem since they are unable to brake as quickly. The wheels on a motorcycle can lock up and cause the driver to lose control. Before heading out onto the road, motorcyclists should practice ways to safely stop in case of an emergency, like pulling off onto the shoulder of the road.

Next, motorcyclists should always wear a helmet. Many helmet options may look safe, but it is best to choose a proper fitting one approved by the Department of Transportation, which have been tested to provide a minimum standard of protection.  

Finally, as an extra precaution, motorcyclists should take a motorcycle safety course, which is required in many states. These courses not only cover traffic safety laws that apply to motorcycles but prepare motorcyclists to ride safely, teaching them how to respond to emergency situations and providing them a chance to try new skills in a controlled environment.  

For more information, contact Angela Nicoletti at 954-201-7939 or anicolet@broward.edu

-BC-