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Captain's Report January 9th Ride
February Newsletter
We were rained out again for January's ride, so Rick didn't get to take the club on a fantastic ride. After
the meeting we ended up going out to breakfest at the place that we had our Wednesday Night Dinner
ride, breakfast was just as good as dinner was. Eddie could be the first person to do a Road Captain
Report for 2005, lets keep our fingers cross.
the meeting we ended up going out to breakfest at the place that we had our Wednesday Night Dinner
ride, breakfast was just as good as dinner was. Eddie could be the first person to do a Road Captain
Report for 2005, lets keep our fingers cross.
How Was Harry Hurt?
by Robert Vaughan
Perhaps the most renowned study of motorcycle accident causes and countermeasures was done for the
University of Southern California by researcher Harry Hurt. He investigated 900 motorcycle accidents and
analyzed another 3600 motorcycle traffic accident reports. The Motorcycle Safety Courses developed by
the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are designed largely to build the skills that the Hurt Study found to be
missing in the accident-involved rider. Looking at just a few of the Hurt findings allows us to see the
essential things we can do to avoid an accident.
Who hits us? Most accidents involve a car violating our right-of-way. Most frequently, the car turns left
in front of the motorcycle.
Where do we get hit? Intersections are the most likely place for the motorcycle accident, with the car
not only violating our right-of-way, but often traffic controls as well. Most accidents are on short trips such
as shopping, errands, visiting friends, entertainment or recreation. Most accidents happen close to the trip
origin. More than three-fourths of the hazards are within 45° of straight ahead.
Why do we get hit? The main reason is that the driver of the other vehicle does not see us in time to
avoid the collision. Alcohol is involved in almost half of the fatal accidents. Most motorcyclists are smart
enough to separate riding and drinking. Unfortunately, too many car drivers on the road are more mentally
challenged.
Why aren't we seen? Conspicuity of the motorcycle is the most critical factor. Conspicuity is most
critical from the front.
How can we be seen? Accident involvement is significantly reduced by the wearing of high visibility
yellow, orange or bright red jackets. It looks as though we need to take extra care to make sure that we
are seen. This means both the helmet (white or bright colors in the day and reflective material at night) and
jacket should be highly visible. It also means positioning our motorcycles where we can be seen in traffic.
How else can we avoid accidents? Just paying attention to our driving improves our odds. We should
use extra care on any motorcycle on which we have less than five months experience. Motorcycle rider
courses reduce accidents and injuries in accidents. The courses teach the braking and swerving skills
found to be lacking in many accident-involved riders. In many states, the Riding and Street Skill course
also allows us to omit the on-street exam when we obtain our motorcycle license. Proper eye protection
prevents the impaired vision which delays hazard detection.
How can we prevent injuries in an accident? Heavy boots, jackets, and gloves reduce or prevent road
rash. Full coverage helmets increase protection and reduce face injuries.
Knowledge is power. Now we know where and why we get hit. We know how to make ourselves seen
and how to avoid both accidents and injury. It's up to us to put this knowledge to use
by Robert Vaughan
Perhaps the most renowned study of motorcycle accident causes and countermeasures was done for the
University of Southern California by researcher Harry Hurt. He investigated 900 motorcycle accidents and
analyzed another 3600 motorcycle traffic accident reports. The Motorcycle Safety Courses developed by
the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are designed largely to build the skills that the Hurt Study found to be
missing in the accident-involved rider. Looking at just a few of the Hurt findings allows us to see the
essential things we can do to avoid an accident.
Who hits us? Most accidents involve a car violating our right-of-way. Most frequently, the car turns left
in front of the motorcycle.
Where do we get hit? Intersections are the most likely place for the motorcycle accident, with the car
not only violating our right-of-way, but often traffic controls as well. Most accidents are on short trips such
as shopping, errands, visiting friends, entertainment or recreation. Most accidents happen close to the trip
origin. More than three-fourths of the hazards are within 45° of straight ahead.
Why do we get hit? The main reason is that the driver of the other vehicle does not see us in time to
avoid the collision. Alcohol is involved in almost half of the fatal accidents. Most motorcyclists are smart
enough to separate riding and drinking. Unfortunately, too many car drivers on the road are more mentally
challenged.
Why aren't we seen? Conspicuity of the motorcycle is the most critical factor. Conspicuity is most
critical from the front.
How can we be seen? Accident involvement is significantly reduced by the wearing of high visibility
yellow, orange or bright red jackets. It looks as though we need to take extra care to make sure that we
are seen. This means both the helmet (white or bright colors in the day and reflective material at night) and
jacket should be highly visible. It also means positioning our motorcycles where we can be seen in traffic.
How else can we avoid accidents? Just paying attention to our driving improves our odds. We should
use extra care on any motorcycle on which we have less than five months experience. Motorcycle rider
courses reduce accidents and injuries in accidents. The courses teach the braking and swerving skills
found to be lacking in many accident-involved riders. In many states, the Riding and Street Skill course
also allows us to omit the on-street exam when we obtain our motorcycle license. Proper eye protection
prevents the impaired vision which delays hazard detection.
How can we prevent injuries in an accident? Heavy boots, jackets, and gloves reduce or prevent road
rash. Full coverage helmets increase protection and reduce face injuries.
Knowledge is power. Now we know where and why we get hit. We know how to make ourselves seen
and how to avoid both accidents and injury. It's up to us to put this knowledge to use