Fuel for Thought
Look Twice, Think Twice
Look twice, save a life. Motorcycles are everywhere or Watch for Motorcycles. No doubt, over the years, you have seen billboards, bumper stickers and overhead signs on the highway donning this phrase. It certainly rings true, motorcycles are more difficult to see in your mirrors and you should always be vigilant in checking and double checking your mirrors before changing lanes or making a turn.
I have come to realize, based on observations of motorcycles on the roads, that this phrase is incomplete. Look twice, save a life is good but let's make it more accurate - Look twice, save a life and think twice, save your own life.
Too often nowadays, I see motorcyclists riding offensively with the other vehicles on the road, instead of defensively. It is not just the responsibility of car and truck drivers to look out for motorcyclists, you should also ride in a fashion conducive to road conditions and traffic. The onus of safety for motorcycles on public roadways should be the responsibility of the motorcyclist to ride properly with the traffic around them.
Whether I am in my truck or my pick up, I will always try to look out for motorcycles, but the riders should also be aware of the potential dangers and ride accordingly. One should not rely solely on the ubiquitous bumper stickers to make others aware or responsible for the riders safety.
Having been a rider for years, I do not need, nor rely on others to have my best interest in mind when we interact on the highways.
I understand the feeling of freedom and exhilaration that comes from riding, but the rider should always ride defensively if they wish to live to experience the thrill of the ride another day.
So definitely look twice, save a life for all you car and truck drivers out there, but think twice and save your own life for all the riders out there.
Ride on.
Be safe.
Live to ride another day.
Anybody can jump a motorcycle. The trouble begins when you try to land it.
- Evel Knievel
See you down the road,
Greg