May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Hawaii

We are happy to share that Hawaii is taking on a motorcycle awareness campaign. TV commercials and other advertising make drivers more aware of bikers on the road. HOWEVER, none of the outer islands have a rider safety course which we feel is vital to rider safety. We wish they would spend their pennies on rider education. That said, here are some helpful hints for drivers and riders:

Drivers need to:

• Remember that motorcycles have the same rights and privileges as any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width; never try to share a lane.
• Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
• Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
• Never drive while distracted.

Motorcyclists need to do their part, as well:

• Get properly trained and licensed. Every new rider should enroll in a Basic RiderCourse. Unfortunately not available to those of us on the outer islands!!!!
• Avoid riding in poor weather conditions.
• Wear brightly colored protective gear, such as long pants and a riding jacket.
• Also wear eye protection, boots and a DOT-compliant helmet.
• Use turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it.
• Combine hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves.
• Use reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity.
• Position themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers.
• Ride within your own skill limits and obey traffic laws.
• Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher RiderCourses.
• Never drive while impaired.