Page 94 - Laconia Rally News 2020

LIVE FREE, SHARE THE ROAD
Jennifer Tramp, Public Information Officer NH Office of Highway Safety
Protect Yourself and Others: A helmet is the most important equipment a rider can use. In 2018, 75%
of motorcyclists in NH were not wearing a helmet. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries.
Motorcycle Safety is about Sharing the Road: As the weather warms this spring, hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists will be on the roads, ready to ride. One way we can reduce traffic fatalities and keep our roads safe is for drivers to understand motorcycle safety challenges such as size and visibility, and riding practices like down- shifting and weaving to be able to anticipate and respond to motorcyclists’ behavior. Motorcycles are among the smallest and most vulnerable vehicles on the road, putting riders at greater risk of death and serious injury in a crash. In fact, research and state-level data consistently identifies motorists as being at-fault in more than half of all multi- vehicle motorcycle-involved collisions.
Here are some more helpful safety tips:
Older Riders: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Riders 50 and older made up 36% of all motorcycle fatalities in 2017. So-called “re-entry riders,” who rode in their 20s and decided to take it up again in their late 40s to 60s face additional challenges today: more traffic, more powerful bikes, more distracted drivers and diminished physical skills. If you're going to ride a motor- cycle, it's important to commit to a lifetime of learning new skills and brushing up on the old ones.
• Know the rules of the road.
• As a new rider, choose a bike that fits you. Many inexperi- enced riders tend to choose a motorcycle above their skill level “supersport bikes” have driver death rates about four times that of cruisers or standard bikes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
• New riders should take a motorcycle safety course, and experienced riders should take refresher courses after being off their bikes for a while. You can find out more about the New Hampshire Motorcycle Rider Training Program offered through the Division of Motor Vehicles.
• Be aware that riding with a passenger requires more skill.
• Never drink and ride.
• Drive defensively, especially at intersections, where half of all collisions occur.
• Watch for hazards on the roads.
• Assume you are invisible to other motorists and position yourself to be seen.
• Use headlights day and night
• Be courteous; don’t weave in and out of lanes, or ride on the shoulder or between lanes.
Fellow Riders New Hampshire
F
Motorcycle Rider T
raining &
Division of Motor Ve
ehicles
WELCOMES YOU to the 97th Laconia
Motorcycle W
eek
We hope you enjoy our great roads this year and for many years to come.
Trained Riders are Safe Riders Live to Ride - - Ride to Live
• Don’t speed.
• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing that is durable and boots that cover the ankles.
• Wear goggles, glasses or use a face shield that is ventilated to prevent fogging, and make sure it’s clear if riding at night.
2018 Helmet statistic – NH FARS 2018 Annual Report Helmet statistic – National Safety Council H
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ALL WEEK FROM WEIRS BEACH
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This book is a collection of 200 images of the Rally with the history to accompany the pho- tographs.
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The book covers the Rally from its conception in 1916 through the 75th Anniversary. See how motorcycling and the Rally have evolved from street action to races. Order at www.laco- niamcweek.com or stop by Rally Headquarters to pick up your copy.