Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
May 31, 2011
Contact:
Trooper Guy Gill
Phone:
(253) 606-1998
E-mail:
Guy.Gill@wsp.wa.gov
WSP is Staying Focused on Motorcycle Safety
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) wants to keep safety on the minds of motorcyclists as the riding season continues. Last month “A Few Nice Days ... And Here Come the Motorcycles” was released. In that media release, the WSP's stance on enforcing motorcycle related violations was covered, as well as some general safety tips. If you’ve taken a rider course then you’ve been taught the basic fundamental skills of riding a motorcycle. These techniques have been proven to make you a better a rider and it’s important that you practice these skills each and every time you ride. Always remember you will be safer on a motorcycle if you follow your training and use good basic riding techniques. The Washington State Patrol is committed to keeping motorcycle safety front and center in the eyes of the public.
Here are a few more safety tips to help you while you’re riding:
Use your head in the curves: While negotiating curves keep your head and eyes up, looking through the corner as far as you safely can, at least three to four seconds ahead. If you can't see that far ahead, you need to slow down until you can.
Ask yourself “what if” while you’re riding: Playing the “what if” game can save your life. Rather than be surprised by left-turning cars, animals that suddenly enter the roadway, or blocking debris, use your imagination to predict possible hazards and then take measures to minimize them. You see a car parked on the shoulder. What if it's not parked, and is actually about to make a U-turn?
Watch the No-Zones: Never stay in a truck's blind spot or "No-Zone." Trucks have large blind spots both in front and behind them. Truck drivers cannot see you when you ride in these blind spots, and this increases the chance of a collision.
Be ready for construction zones: You’ve all seen the signs which read: “Motorcycles Use Extreme Caution”. With good weather come road construction projects. When you enter a construction zone, be prepared for changes in roadway surfaces, abrupt lane edges, steel plates, and sudden stops.
Keep these tips in mind for an enjoyable safer ride.