1ST ARMORED DIVISION
Fort Bliss, Texas
Author’s note: The story you are about to read was written by a Soldier-rider and is true. The events are retold to give insights into the many hazards riders face when they are on the road. The lessons will help us all become more experienced motorcycle riders.
The rider stopped his motorcycle to render honors to the flag in front of 1st Armored Division Headquarters. The military police had halted all traffic, as the flag was to be lowered in just a few seconds. Then, the unthinkable happened — an inattentive driver plowed into the rider at 40 mph.
The rider survived, but it took many months for him to recover from his injuries. Just about everyone agreed this accident wasn’t the rider’s fault and there was nothing he could have done differently. But we motorcyclists know better, don’t we?
Strictly speaking, the motorcyclist was not at fault. In the eyes of the law, the other motorist would be cited. Normally, this would also mean the motorist’s insurance would be responsible for medical bills and the repair or replacement of the rider’s motorcycle. But not everyone operating a vehicle is insured, or the medical bills may exceed the insurance coverage. Therefore, a motorcyclist always has to take responsibility for his own safety.
When a motorcyclist comes to a stop on the roadway for whatever reason, he should be preparing to escape any situation that develops behind him. He selects his escape paths and leaves the bike in first gear with the clutch lever pulled while constantly observing behind him. When he sees a vehicle approaching, he flashes his brake lights a few times to get the driver’s attention. If the driver does not appear to notice, the motorcyclist can begin executing the escape plan.
There are other tactics riders use to survive on the street. For example, when pulling away from a stop, they often give the traffic around them the chance to shield them through the intersection in case someone decides to run the light.
What are your tactics? Make sure you share them with other riders. You might just help save a life. In the meantime, look out behind you.