Article provided by the Karney Law Firm. Please visit our Web site at www.karneylaw.com.
Riding a motorcycle can be a dangerous affair. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), North Carolina reported around 200 motorcyclist fatalities in 2007. While you are traveling on the second-largest state-maintained highway network in the United States, with almost 80,000 miles of roads, you don't want to become the next statistic. Honing your defensive-driving techniques will greatly reduce your risk of injury as you share the road with more than six million licensed North Carolina drivers.
North Carolina Motorcycle Endorsement
North Carolina requires a motorcycle endorsement to operate a motorcycle. You will need to pass several tests to prove your skill if you're seeking an endorsement for the first time. According to North Carolina's Department of Motor Vehicles, you must pass a vision test, traffic signs test, written motorcycle knowledge test and on-cycle skills test, in addition to having a valid North Carolina driver's license.
Defensive-Driving Courses
Numerous organizations offer basic riding and safety courses throughout the United States:
- The Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge course provides classroom and hands-on instruction for riders of all skill levels. Rider's Edge classes are offered through local motorcycle dealerships around the country.
- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) recommends courses for learning to ride on the open road, on motorcycle racetracks or off road.
- The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has developed the comprehensive Rider Education and Training System (RETS).
- Community colleges frequently offer basic rider courses tailored to meet state guidelines.
A basic rider course will teach you the fundamentals of being a safe motorcyclist. You'll learn about the motorcycle, building a solid understanding of its physical operation, including coordination of the clutch and throttle and the front and rear brakes. Courses will stress the importance of safety gear and proper attire. For instance, you should wear long sleeves and trousers of rugged material like denim or leather; full-fingered gloves; and your most critical accessory, the helmet. In fact, in North Carolina, you must wear a helmet: As of January 1, 2008, North Carolina requires all motorcycle riders (operators and passengers) to wear helmets compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 when operating motorcycles.
Of course, you're also going to learn how to ride! Basic rider courses will teach you how to tackle turns of varying degrees, navigate dangerous road conditions and use swerves and emergency stops to avoid hazards. You'll learn about managing lane space and maintaining the situational awareness that is crucial for a motorcyclist. Because other drivers often do not spot motorcycles, riders must be quite cautious.
Look out for Yourself
Get the most out of riding without putting yourself at risk. Well-developed defensive driving techniques may be the only thing between a motorcyclist and a serious accident. For more information on how to safely operate your motorcycle, pick up a copy of the North Carolina Motorcyclists' Handbook at your local NCDMV office or online. Don't forget to ask about riding classes offered in your area.