The dark side of Daytona Bike Week is when, almost every day, it is reported to our booths that another biker has been killed. Last year’s event saw a record number of biker deaths, and too often many drivers don’t see the motorcycles coming until it’s too late. Of the 21 motorcycle riders who died during last year’s Bike Week, nine were in accidents caused by a car or truck driver. That’s why the Bike Week Safety Task Force is trying to send a message to everyone who will be on the roads during this year’s Bike Week: "Look twice. Save a life." The campaign, already seen on six billboards, bus advertisements, temporary signs and fliers sent to local churches and homeowners associations, is aimed at local car and truck drivers, telling them what they can do to avoid collisions with bikers. Their suggestions include double-checking blind spots, avoiding driving distractions such as cell phones or food, and leaving a four-second distance between your car and a motorcycle in front of you. And, of course, paying special attention to oncoming traffic before you turn. Nationwide, motorists cause half of motorcycle fatalities.
Cyril, thanks for getting the word out on this. I know i’m “preachin’ to the choir” here but we as riders have to be responsible to and not put ourselves (and others) in danger by riding without regard. I just returned from Daytona (sunday) to Orlando and saw a biker with a phone stuck to his ear while riding down A1A!! Now that’s a sure accident waiting to happen! Ride responsible…the life you save, may be your own!
NO KIDDING!!! MY WIFE AND I DROVE DOWN FROM MID GA. FRIDAY NIGHT FOR THE TAIL END OF OUR FIRST BIKE WEEK. WE DO NOT HAVE A BIKE YET AT THIS TIME. YOU’VE GOT YOUR HARLEYS, HONDAS, YAMAHAS, SUZUKIS, CUSTOMS, ETC. BUT THEY ALL HAVE THEIR PLACE. IT IS A SCARY THOUGHT SEEING THE YOUNGER CROWD ON “CROTCH ROCKET” STYLE BIKES ZIPPING THROUGH LANES AND TRYING THE LATEST TRICKS IN HEAVY AND STAND STILL TRAFFIC. THESE STUNTS SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE PROFESSIONALS ON A SPECIALIZED TRACK. FRIDAY NIGHT HEADING BACK TO OUR LODGING, WE SAW ONE RIDER SUCH AS THIS SPREAD EAGLE ON THE PAVEMENT FROM THE RESULTS OF AN ACCIDENT.THERE IS ALSO THE CUSTOMS AND OTHERS DISREGARDING TRAFFIC SIGNALS. THEN OF COURSE, YOU’VE GOT ALL THE FOUR WHEELERS THAT DO NOT APPRECIATE A TRUE RIDE IN THE OPEN JUST TRYING TO GET FROM POINT A TO B WHILE BURNING UP THEIR EARS ON A CELL PHONE. WETHER WE ARE BIKERS, TRUCKERS, OR SPORTS CAR ENTHUSIASTS, THERE IS A PLACE FOR EVERYONE ON THE ROAD. WE ALL NEED TO SHARE AND BE CAUTIOUS AND CURTEOUS OF OTHERS. PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR NEIGHBOR. IF YOUR’RE RUNNING LATE, MAYBE YOU SHOULD JUST GET UP EARLIER! THE PHONE CALLS CAN WAIT! MIRRORS ARE NOT JUST FOR MAKEUP! I’M IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING A VINTAGE BIKE RESTORED, HOPEFULLY FOR 2008. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT I WILL RIDE SAFE AND BE PROTECTED FROM THE DEMONS OF THE ROAD. BADD, MADD, SADD, ARE GREAT GROUPS, BUT IN RESPONSE TO THE A1A CELL PHONE, MAYBE WE SHOULD START ANOTHER- B.A.T.T—BIKERS AGAINST TELEPHONE TALKERS.. IT TAKES 0 SECONDS FOR VOICEMAIL , HALF A SECOND TO SAY “I’LL CALL YOU BACK”, A LIFETIME TO EASE THE PAIN OF A LOST FRIEND OR LOVED ONE. SEE YOU IN ’08