Practice safety with motorcycles, 4-wheelers

It's officially motorcycle season, and that means we will be reading about more motorcycle accidents. Motorcycling is meant for pleasure, regardless of how risky it can be.

Being a rider myself, I wanted to promote awareness to all drivers and fellow riders alike regarding safety. If you don't ride, you might not understand that riding a motorcycle is quite challenging and takes a special skill set. We have to factor in balance, increased breaking distance, lane position, blind spots, road conditions and weather. We have two less wheels than most vehicles on the road, which means less traction and less braking.

While safe riding is solely the responsibility of the motorcyclist, there are some things you can do in your enclosed, four-wheeled vehicle to ensure everyone gets to their destination safe and happy. Give us extra following distance, in case we need to make a fast stop. Please use your turn signals while preparing to turn or change lanes so we can anticipate your next move and adjust.

Motorcycles have a right to the whole lane, just like any other legal vehicle, so don't try to share the lane with us just because we're smaller. If we're in a group, give us space and don't try to cut into the lane by splitting up our group. In addition, save the texting, eating, and make-up applying for when you're not driving so you can ensure you see us. If a rider is driving unsafely, give them space.

These simple tricks are easy and will ensure everyone on the road enjoys the nice weather safely.

Morgan Mader

Villa Park