General Headquarters — Columbus, Ohio
For Immediate Release: July
12, 2005
Contact: OSHP - Lt. Rick Zwayer or Sgt. Jon Gray (614) 752-2792
American Motorcyclist Association - Tom Lindsay (614) 856-1900 ext. 1357
COLUMBUS – While motorcycling is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages, there are certain things older motorcyclists should consider to ensure their riding experience is as safe as possible.
This riding season, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is providing an 11-part series of motorcycle safety tips from the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) as part of our Ride Smart. Drive Smart. partnership to help make it a safe and enjoyable motorcycle riding season. In Ohio during 2004, 14.3 percent of motorcyclist fatalities, and 21.6 percent of motorcyclist injuries involved motorcyclists over 50 years old. In part five of our series, here are some safety awareness points for older motorcyclists to consider:
• Get trained. Get licensed. – Whether you've been out of the sport for a while, have been riding for years, or are getting into motorcycling for the first time, consider yourself as a new rider. Regardless of your experience level, enrolling in a rider education course can give you the tools to help keep yourself safe. Courses are available through the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Motorcycle Ohio training program (1-800-83-RIDER or www.motorcycle.ohio.gov) and select dealerships. Also be sure your temporary motorcycle learner's permit or motorcycle endorsement or license is valid.
• Alcohol and motorcycles don’t mix. – Even one drink can negatively impact your ability to ride safely. The dangers posed by a loss of skill and judgment can be a problem anywhere you ride after consuming alcohol. The safest and most responsible choice is don’t drink and ride. For more alcohol awareness information, check out the AMA’s national Ride Straight program, www.ridestraight.com.
• Get a medical checkup. – Riding a motorcycle takes balance, coordination, strength, motor skills, and stamina. As you age, many of these characteristics begin to diminish and your reaction times tend to slow down. Since you might not be as sharp as you used to be, it's a good idea to have regular medical checkups to ensure you are physically able to safely ride a motorcycle. Be sure your vision is checked regularly because your eyesight is the most important sense you have in terms of protecting your safety while you are riding. Also be aware that certain prescription medications may affect your riding abilities. Consult your physician when in doubt.
• Manage your risk. – Understanding and managing risks associated with motorcycling can greatly improve your enjoyment level, as well as your safety. Be sure you are not riding beyond the capabilities of your motorcycle, and you are not riding beyond your own capabilities and skill level. Another key aspect of risk management is understanding the engineering capabilities of the roadway, and being cognizant of traffic conditions.
1. Get Trained (including knowing proper safety gear to wear)/Get Licensed;
2. Stay Sober (incorporating the AMA’s national Ride Straight program); and
3. Other drivers, be aware by looking out for motorcyclists.
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Note to editors: For more information about the American Motorcyclist Association, visit www.AMADirectlink.com or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN. For more information on Ride Smart. Drive Smart. visit, http://statepatrol.ohio.gov/motorcycle.htm.
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www.statepatrol.ohio.gov
A division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety
