Hit the Road ... Safely! Published July 2, 2012 By Michael Wolcott 377 ABW Safety KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- Whether you hit the road by yourself or join others for a group ride, prepare yourself and your motorcycle for the ride. Protective gear: Protective gear serves three purposes for motorcyclists - comfort and protection from the elements, injury prevention and a means for other motorists to see them, through the use of color or reflective material. · U.S. Department of Transportation -compliant motorcycle helmet. A good helmet is designed to absorb the impact of a blow and help keep operators and passengers alive. If you've been in an accident, or if your helmet is old or worn, get a new one. · Face/eye protection. Your eyes are precious, and it doesn't take much to seriously injure one. Wear goggles, wraparound glasses or a full-face shield (properly attached to the helmet) designed to meet or exceed American National Standards Institute Standard Z87.1 for impact- and shatter-resistance, or shatterproof glasses. · Long-sleeved shirt and long pants. These items should be made of sturdy material that will provide protection from the elements without inhibiting your movement or ability to operate your bike. · Full-fingered gloves. Gloves should be sturdy, non-slip type to permit a firm grip. · Sturdy over-the- ankle footwear. Footwear should be made of strong leather to provide ankle support. · High-visibility clothing and rain gear. During hours of darkness, wear retro-reflective upper outer garments. Make sure your motorcycle is road-ready. After checking your protective gear, ensure the bike is ready to ride. Use the T-CLOCS technique before each ride. The following items represent each letter: T - Tires and Wheels (tires, wheels and brakes) C - Controls (levers and pedals, cable hoses, throttle) L - Lights (battery, headlamp, tail/brake lamp, turn signals, mirrors, lenses and reflectors) O - Oil (levels, leaks) C - Chassis (frame, suspension, chain or belt, fasteners) S - Stands (side, center) "Don't Drink and Ride" Alcohol affects skills essential to operating a motorcycle - balance and coordination. Alcohol and motorcycling are a deadly combination. The most effective way for riders of all ages and experience levels to remain aware and improve on their riding strategy is incorporating the "SEE" strategy. SEE is a three-step process used to make appropriate judgments and apply them correctly in different traffic situations. Let's review each step. S - Search. Search aggressively ahead, to the sides and behind, to avoid potential hazards even before they arise. How aggressively you search, and how much time and space you have, can eliminate or reduce threats. Focus even more on finding potential escape routes in or around intersections, shopping areas or construction zones. E - Evaluate. Think about how hazards can interact to create risks for you. Anticipate potential problems and have a plan to mitigate risks. E - Execute. Carry out your decision. To create more space and minimize harm from any hazard, communicate your presence with lights and/or horn, adjust your speed by accelerating, stopping or slowing, and adjust your position and/or direction. Adjust speed to separate multiple hazards (either using time or space), then deal with them one at a time as single hazards. Decision-making becomes more complex with three or more hazards. Don't let your eagerness to get on the road sway your good judgment. Wear the right gear, ensure your bike is inspected, serviced and ready for the road, and most importantly, know your limitations. As riders, we have limits. Knowing your limits, the limits of your motorcycle, the limits of your riding environment, and the limits of those you ride with, is critical in minimizing your risk. Consider these limitations every time you ride and adapt appropriately to achieve an accident-free ride.