MOTORCYCLE
SAFETY
TFC Jeff Covington
Louisiana State Police
Areas of Discussion
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Pre-ride inspection.
The motorcycle.
The rider.
The licenses.
The passenger.
Group riding.
The hazards.
Notice anything?
MSF’s Pre-Ride Check
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T---Tires
C---Controls
L---Lights and Switches
O---Oil and Fuel
C---Chain and Chassis
K---Kick and Side Stand
The Motorcycle
• Handlebars:
No person shall operate any motorcycle with
handlebars more than 15 inches in height above the portion of the seat
occupied by the operator. RS 32:191.3
• Left side mirror: required on all motorcycles. RS 32:354
• Electric turn signals: required on motorcycles
manufactured after 1962 . RS 32:306
• Footrest: required for transporting passengers.
RS 32:191.3
The Rider
• Riding Position: Sitting on seat, facing forward, one leg on
each side, and shall not carry any person or package that will interfere with
the operation or control. RS 32:191
• Helmet: Required on all operators and passengers (NHTSA
estimates helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries)
• Eye Protection Required: can be goggles, helmet’s
face shield, or bike’s windshield is of sufficient height to afford adequate
eye protection. RS 32:190.1
• Gloves, boots, leather riding apparel and
a helmet are recommended.
The Licenses
• Motorcycles shall not be given a separate class, as
such, but their use shall be provided for by making
an endorsement on one of the basic classes
outlined in this section. RS 32:408
The Passenger
• Eye Protection: not required.
• Helmet: Required
• Know your passenger/rider: communicate
about riding experience and motorcycling
knowledge.
GROUP RIDING
• Proper mind set and attitude!!
• Ideal group size is 5 to 7 motorcycles, larger
groups should break up into mini groups.
• Designate “LEAD” and “SWEEP” riders.
• Understand and be able to use hand signals.
• Planning and preparation are key, don’t just
“wing it”
Staggered Riding Position
Motorcyclists
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane on the
road
The Hazards
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Loose gravel.
Oil spots & vehicle fluids.
Road taping/stripes.
Animals.
Manhole covers, metal surfaces.
Uneven roads and/or lanes.
Rain covered windshield/face shield.
Bike provides no protection.
The #1 Road Hazard
The Hazard of Uneven Lanes
Loose Gravel
Where there is one bike there are
usually more!!!!!!
Road Objects
Ever seen this?
TROOP E STATS
2004 – 2 motorcycle fatalities (Both not wearing helmets)
2005 – 9 motorcycle fatalities (6 not wearing helmets)
STATE WIDE FATALITIES
• 2003 – 83 motorcycle fatatlities (78 driver,5
passenger
• 2004 – 80 motorcycle fatalities (77 driver, 3
passenger)
• 2005 – 70 motorcycle fatalities (63 driver, 7
passenger)
Nation Wide
• In 2004, 4,008 people died in
motorcycle crashes – up from
3,714 in 2003
• There were 5.4 million
motorcycles on US roads in
2003
• Motorcycle sales reached about
1,100,000 in 2004 – an increase
that hasn’t occurred in 30 years
Nation Wide continued….
• In 2004, 21% of motorcycle operators had a BAC over
.08% compared to 22% of drivers of passenger cars.
• 36% of all operators were speeding, twice the rate of
passenger cars/light trucks.
• 24% were riding without a valid license/endorsement,
compared to 12% for passenger car operators.
• 76,000 motorcycle riders were injured in 2004 compared to
67,000 in 2003 (13.4% increase)
Use good judgment and
ride safely.
Thank You
Louisiana State Police Troop E
1710 Odom Street
Alexandria, La.
318-487-5911