May Is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Minnesota
May 2013
It’s difficult for people to see the motorcyclists around them when they are driving on Minnesota’s roads and highways. That’s why motorcyclists must be proactive in their quest to remain safe while riding their bikes. They cannot assume that other drivers can see them because after collisions occur, motorists have stated that they either didn’t see the motorcyclists at all or were only aware of their presence after it was too late to avoid a collision.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced Minnesota personal injury attorneys of Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben for a free consultation at 612-377-7777 or toll-free at 1-800-752-4265.
Search, Evaluate, Execute
One way to be safe while riding is to employ the search, evaluate, execute (SEE) strategy. SEE addresses the issue of being invisible to other drivers. This strategy encourages motorcyclists to keep their eyes three to four seconds ahead of where they are going when they are turning a corner. As a result, SEE makes it less likely that motorcyclists will hit the vehicle or other object in front of them.
The Technique of Countersteering
Countersteering is a technique that helps riders lean their bikes without using their bodies. Instead, riders will countersteer the motorcycle by turning the handlebars in the opposite direction of the way in which they are traveling. If they wish to lean to the right, they will press forward on the right handgrip, and this causes the bike to safely lean towards the right side.
Using the Front Brakes Effectively
New riders tend to believe that it’s dangerous to use their front brakes because there is a chance of flipping over. If they need to stop very quickly, it’s better for them to use their front brakes because the front brakes have the most stopping power. They can stop their bikes safely by using this technique if they squeeze the brakes rather than grab them. By squeezing, they will succeed in stopping the bike safely in an emergency situation and will lower their chances of flipping over.
Remember to Ride Safely
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, but motorcycle riders need to be concerned for their safety every day of the year. To learn more about how to be safe on the roads, visit the website for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Motorcycle Safety Center. If riders aren’t familiar with the techniques described above, they can master them in basic or advanced training courses.
Have You Been In a Collision?
In a collision between a motorcycle rider and a car, truck or van, the motorcycle rider is most likely to be on the losing side. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision while riding a motorcycle, contact the attorneys of Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben so that they can fight for you. With Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben’s 40 years of experience behind you, you will be in very good hands. Call for a free consultation at 612-377-7777 or toll-free at 1-800-752-4265.