Risk Management Magazine

As a longtime motorcycle enthusiast and fan of riding periodicals, I’ve read about various strategies for avoiding accidents. Articles warn of traffic-related problems motorcyclists encounter all too frequently — drivers backing out of driveways, oncoming drivers turning left and drivers in the left lane suddenly turning right. The warnings and riding techniques discussed in these articles are extremely valuable and should be remembered and practiced while you’re riding. While you’re practicing these techniques, however, make sure that you also, literally, watch the road.

Nothing will make you reflect on how lucky you are more than escaping a bad situation unscathed and beating the odds that were stacked against you. Predicting weather in Iraq was difficult at best. And even though the Air Force weather forecasters were highly trained professionals, if they gave you a weather brief, it could change quickly.

When was the last time you checked the air pressure in your motorcycle’s tires? Do you even remember? Every year, riders are injured or killed in crashes caused by underinflated or neglected tires. Such tires decrease stability, limit traction and increase the danger of catastrophic failure.