Motorcylces provide fun way to tour Montana if done safely Published June 4, 2007 By Ashley Awes Sump 12th Missile Squadron MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Montana - home to wide open roads and scenic mountain passes. If you own a motorcycle, there is no better way to experience the great outdoors than on the back of an iron horse. Before you start your engines and gear up, however, take time to make safety a priority. The number of fatalities from motorcycle accidents has been on the rise since 1997 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In fact, NHTSA states that almost 10 percent of motor vehicle fatalities are bikers and that motorcyclists are 32 times more likely to have a fatal accident than car drivers. Many of these deaths could have been prevented. Nearly 50 percent of motorcycle deaths are a result of not wearing the right protective gear, such as a helmet. Two-thirds of motorcycle deaths are a result of speeding. Of all motorcyclists killed in crashes, 46 percent had alcohol in their system. The scariest statistic should be that 24 percent of fatally injured bikers were not licensed to be operating a motorcycle at all. Operating a motorcycle in traffic takes extra skill and knowledge. To properly prepare for any ride, follow these guidelines as prescribed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. - Enroll in formal training. This is the best way to learn all the safety tricks of the trade. Many insurance companies will offer discounts to Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified riders and parts of your state-licensing test will be waived. - Remember the mandatory protective gear - it's the only thing between you and the road. Wear a D.O.T. or SNELL approved helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, pants, over-the-ankle boots, gloves and a leather jacket. Reflective gear at night and something brightly colored during the day can help other drivers see you. - Avoid other vehicle's blind spots and leave plenty of room between vehicles when passing. - Slow down around curves and when approaching intersections. Always look both ways before passing through an intersection. - Flash your brake light when slowing down instead of merely downshifting. - Use your front brake. Studies have shown that in most crashes, the rider over braked in the back. - Check your bike's working order each time you ride. - Keep your headlights on while riding at all times. - Give other motorists plenty of room. This provides both parties the time needed to react or slow down if necessary. - Watch the road for changing conditions. - Use lane positioning so that you can be seen and ride where you are most visible. - Do not weave between lanes. - Ride defensively and within your ability. - Take extra precautions when carrying a passenger. The added weight changes your bike's handling and maneuverability. The best way to ensure a safe ride is to practice riding with a passenger in an open parking lot. Only carry passengers on motorcycles with an added seat. Passengers must wear the same gear as the operator. - Ensure motorcycles have rear view mirrors. - Drive in a staggered formation when riding in a group. Assign experienced riders to lead and sweep positions. The leader should ride in the left side of the lane. Discuss hand signals for communication while riding. Ride in single file, a few seconds behind each other, on curvy roads, in poor visibility and on poor road surfaces. - Do not ride in side-by-side formations. If you need to swerve or you lose control, both you and the other rider are put at a greater risk for an accident. - Do not drink and ride. Having any alcohol in your system increases your chance of crashing by five-fold and having a blood alcohol content of .05, still under the legal limit, increases your accident chances by 40-fold. Motorcycles can be a great way to get out and see Montana. By making safety a priority, you can enjoy your ride and arrive unscathed at your destination. For information, contact the local Motorcycle Safety Foundation Chapter, at 1-800-922-2453 or Wing Safety at 731-6716.