MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TFC Jeff Covington Louisiana State Police

Areas of Discussion Pre-ride inspection. The motorcycle. The rider. The licenses. The passenger. Group riding. The hazards.

Notice anything?

MSF’s Pre-Ride Check T---Tires C---Controls L---Lights and Switches O---Oil and Fuel C---Chain and Chassis K---Kick and Side Stand

The Motorcycle Handlebars: No person shall operate any motorcycle with handlebars more than 15 inches in height above the portion of the seat occupied by the operator. RS 32:191.3 Left side mirror: required on all motorcycles. RS 32:354 Electric turn signals: required on motorcycles manufactured after 1962 . RS 32:306 Footrest: required for transporting passengers. RS 32:191.3

The Rider Riding Position: Sitting on seat, facing forward, one leg on each side, and shall not carry any person or package that will interfere with the operation or control. RS 32:191 Helmet: Required on all operators and passengers (NHTSA estimates helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries) Eye Protection Required: can be goggles, helmet’s face shield, or bike’s windshield is of sufficient height to afford adequate eye protection. RS 32:190.1 Gloves, boots, leather riding apparel and a helmet are recommended.

The Licenses Motorcycles shall not be given a separate class, as such, but their use shall be provided for by making an endorsement on one of the basic classes outlined in this section. RS 32:408

The Passenger Eye Protection: not required. Helmet: Required Know your passenger/rider: communicate about riding experience and motorcycling knowledge.

GROUP RIDING Proper mind set and attitude!! Ideal group size is 5 to 7 motorcycles, larger groups should break up into mini groups. Designate “LEAD” and “SWEEP” riders. Understand and be able to use hand signals. Planning and preparation are key, don’t just “wing it”

Staggered Riding Position

Motorcyclists Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane on the road *Motorcycles are hard to see in heavy traffic and it’s tough to judge how far away they are or how fast they’re moving. Being alert to this problem can help avoid a tragedy.

The Hazards Loose gravel. Oil spots & vehicle fluids. Road taping/stripes. Animals. Manhole covers, metal surfaces. Uneven roads and/or lanes. Rain covered windshield/face shield. Bike provides no protection.

The #1 Road Hazard

The Hazard of Uneven Lanes

Loose Gravel

Where there is one bike there are usually more!!!!!!

Road Objects

Ever seen this?

TROOP E STATS 2004 – 2 motorcycle fatalities (Both not wearing helmets) 2005 – 9 motorcycle fatalities (6 not wearing helmets)

STATE WIDE FATALITIES 2003 – 83 motorcycle fatatlities (78 driver,5 passenger 2004 – 80 motorcycle fatalities (77 driver, 3 passenger) 2005 – 70 motorcycle fatalities (63 driver, 7 passenger)

Nation Wide In 2004, 4,008 people died in motorcycle crashes – up from 3,714 in 2003 There were 5.4 million motorcycles on US roads in 2003 Motorcycle sales reached about 1,100,000 in 2004 – an increase that hasn’t occurred in 30 years

Nation Wide continued…. In 2004, 21% of motorcycle operators had a BAC over .08% compared to 22% of drivers of passenger cars. 36% of all operators were speeding, twice the rate of passenger cars/light trucks. 24% were riding without a valid license/endorsement, compared to 12% for passenger car operators. 76,000 motorcycle riders were injured in 2004 compared to 67,000 in 2003 (13.4% increase)

Use good judgment and ride safely. Thank You

Louisiana State Police Troop E 1710 Odom Street Alexandria, La