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JB MDL Safety Office member advises motorcycle safety

  • Published
  • By Kevin Sedlak
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Safety Office
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  I always thought I was safe and that motorists could see me when I had four headlights on and a high-visibility upper garment. I found out, however, I was wrong.

One day, a motorist hit my broadside at a T-intersection, here at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Thankfully, I was not injured and there was only minor damage to my motorcycle. I was riding on a nice sunny warm day. I noticed large vehicles entering the roadway from the right as I approached the "T" intersection. I focused only on those vehicles. By the time I saw a car turn left in front of me, it was too late. The car hit my broadside.

I asked myself why this happened. The driver said, "I stopped for the stop sign". She did not say whether or not she saw me, or if she was even looking for a motorcycle rider. I can only assume she did not see me, as is often the case when cars hit motorcycles.

It is not as simple as that, however. So what could I have done to prevent this accident? I should have been watching for the car. I didn't search and evaluate the entire area in front of me. I took for granted that I would be seen.

All of you motorcyclists need to do as much as possible to be seen as well as use your training and past personal experiences to keep yourself as safe as possible. Don't take things for granted, always expect the unexpected, slow down at intersections and watch for that left turn driver and always play the "what if" game.

Remember, motorcycles are not cages; they offer less protection than cars. Here are some safety tips to help prepare you for the unexpected:

· Take a motorcycle safety course to learn some motorcycling skills.
· Get the right gear that protects your entire body.
· Ride within your skills. Ride your own ride.
· Avoid distractions; concentrate on traffic all around you.
· Leave enough space, don't tail gate or ride someone's bumper.
· Watch the weather, wet surfaces are dangerous.
· Educate your passengers, tell them what to expect as the passenger.
· Look twice; ensure you see what you are looking at.
· Wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet. If you have to attach the DOT sticker, it is not DOT approved.