July 2, 2009
Traffic Deaths Lowest Since 1961
July 2, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Motorcycle
The U.S. Department of Transportation reported today that the number of highway traffic fatalities in 2008 was the lowest level since 1961, and traffic deaths continue to decrease in 2009. Sadly, motorcycle deaths continue to increase.
March 25, 2009
Watch Where you Walk in Florence
March 25, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Motorcycle
Recently, I was lucky enough to spend a week in Florence, Italy. It was amazing--the museums, churches, architecture, food, culture--the sights and sounds of Florence can attract and distract. But for a tourist being distracted means the possibility of being run over by a Vespa.
November 21, 2008
Protecting Your Motorcycle Against Theft
November 21, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Motorcycle
Today, Americans are buying motorcycles at near record levels. Over 1.1 million motorcycles were purchased in 2006 alone, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).
Continue reading " Protecting Your Motorcycle Against Theft " »
October 23, 2008
Antilock Brakes Reduce Motorcycle Deaths By 38%
October 23, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (4) | Posted in: Motorcycle
Motorcycles equipped with antilock brakes are 38 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal auto accident, according to a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The study also found that antilock brakes (commonly referred to as ABS) reduced motorcycle insurance losses by 21 percent.
Continue reading " Antilock Brakes Reduce Motorcycle Deaths By 38% " »
September 14, 2006
Sharing the Road with Motorcyclists: 10 Things People in Cars Should Know About Motorcycles
September 14, 2006 | By: Robert | Comments (6) | Posted in: Motorcycle
On busy travel weekends such as this last Labor Day weekend, millions of drivers succumb to the grinding halt of getting in and out of town. An hour or two into the frustrating stop-and-go ordeal, it's those darn motorcycles that never seem to be affected by the collective cattle run! While you're effectively going nowhere, you see them moving along in your rearview mirror at a constant 25 mph. "It's not fair," I think to myself! But then again, in the process of accepting the consequences of leaving the city at 3:00 pm in the afternoon on a holiday weekend, I recognize that as an American, I too have freedom to purchase a motorcycle (correction: chopper), and move along at a constant 25 mph in grinding traffic. What a country!
I have friends who are avid motorcyclists, and they tell me the craziest stories about how people simply do not understand the consequences of their driving actions on the road -- especially as it relates to motorcycles. For example, traffic jams make many drivers block and cut off lanes; and you wouldn't believe it that people actually do open their doors!
My friend Ken P. recently directed me the Motorcycle Safety Foundation site, where they address a lot of these challenges. However, as I don't think that people who drive cars actively visit motorcycle safety websites, I thought it would be appropriate to share the site's list of 10 things that all drivers should know about motorcycles.
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1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle's speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car's blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don't assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.
7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."
10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.
Source of list: Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Motorcycle Insurance Quotes
August 31, 2006
Rise in U.S. Traffic Deaths Explained by Motorcycle and Pedestrian Fatalities
August 31, 2006 | By: Robert | Comments (1) | Posted in: Motorcycle
The Insurance Journal recently reported somber news in regards to a rise in U.S. traffic deaths. Specifically, the announcement stated that traffic deaths in the U.S. reached their highest levels since 1990. Interestingly, the increase in fatalities is attributed to an increase in motorcycle and pedestrian fatalities.
Continue reading " Rise in U.S. Traffic Deaths Explained by Motorcycle and Pedestrian Fatalities " »
August 10, 2006
Motorcycle Theft: Most Stolen States
August 10, 2006 | By: Robert | Comments (1) | Posted in: Motorcycle
InsWeb has addressed on multiple occasions, the subject of stolen vehicles, including the most stolen models and areas where they are stolen. It's a fact that, both the area where a consumer parks their car at night, and the vehicle model they drive are among the factors that influence their auto insurance costs. If either the vehicle or the area are statistically prone to theft, insurance companies may charge higher insurance premiums.
