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(ARA) - An increase of motorcycles on the road and the fact that less than half have taken an organized rider education course, indicates a need for increased awareness of proper motorcycle safety.
Clint Bowyer, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner and Shell-Pennzoil sponsored NASCAR driver, began his career as a motocross racer. He truly knows the importance of safety, both on and off the track.
“One of the first things I learned when I started racing was to recognize the importance of safety. You can’t afford not to when you’re competing at top speeds with 42 other drivers all around you,” Bowyer says. “I apply the same philosophy in my personal life. Whether I’m going tire-to-tire on the race track or cruising the highway on my Harley, safety is always a priority.”
Motorcyclists can apply Bowyer’s safety philosophy to their own lives by following these simple tips:
1. Prepare - Wear appropriate gear for comfort and protection (eye wear, helmet, long pants, jacket, boots).
2. Be seen - Stand out. Wear bright colors and use retro-reflective material.
3. Be awake - Fatigue and drowsiness can impair a motorcyclist’s ability to react, so be alert.
4. Be courteous - Be considerate on the road; show respect and civility.
5. Plan - Have your route and stops set in advance to ensure a safer ride.
6. Inspect - Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride. T-CLOCS is an easy way to remember what to inspect. Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis and Sidestand.
Bowyer isn’t alone in noticing the need for motorcycle safety awareness. Harley-Davidson not only provides its riders with safety tips for the road on its Web site, but it also offers the Rider’s Edge New Rider Course, which has trained more than 140,000 students since the program’s inception in 2000.
Additionally, the Harley-Davidson Ride Planner version 2.0 provides an interactive Web-based tool that enables riders to map out a safe route before even leaving the garage. Motorcyclists can plot points of interest and amenities along any route. Ride Planner even highlights more than 14,000 Shell stations across the U.S., helping to ensure that riders won’t be stranded by the side of the road on “empty” with no quality gasoline in sight.
According to Bowyer, when it comes to safety, motorcyclists shouldn’t “skimp.”
“I wouldn’t buy any bargain-basement helmet or cheap riding gear and I don’t put discount gasoline in my tank. I want my Harley to perform like it was built to, so I always use a quality premium gasoline, like Shell V-Power.”
Using proper motorcycle safety on and off the road creates a safer environment for motorcyclists. Being aware and recognizing the different steps you can take to become a safer driver will ensure not only your safety, but also the safety of others. The more educated you are, the safer your ride.