Risk Management Magazine

I have always been an advocate for the Motorcycle Mentorship Program and Advanced Motorcycle Education Program. The lessons I’ve learned from fellow riders and the reinforcement of positive riding habits have been useful on more than one occasion. The event I share in this article is a perfect example.

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.

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.