Courtesy key to motorcyclists' safety

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Charity Brandy
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFPN) --  Curtis Creighton was one of the most caring people I've ever known. He had a heart so big and a personality so charming that people were drawn to him. It is no wonder more than 700 people attended his funeral after he was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 32.

I'll never forget the words spoken to me during the 3 a.m. phone call that informed me of his death. "Curtis was killed tonight on his motorcycle," said my friend. "He was in a crash. One of his ribs punctured his heart, and he died on impact."

Curtis and I shared a love for motorcycles, and his death came only two days before I was scheduled to purchase the bike of my dreams: a 2003 40th Anniversary edition Suzuki GSX-R 600. After finding out Curtis was killed, I fought with myself about the safety of motorcycles and whether or not I should buy one.

That motorcycle is in my driveway today.

The safety of motorcycles is a frequent topic of debate. Regardless of your stance on the issue, motorcycle safety is something in which we all need to take an active role, whether you are the person behind the wheel of the car or the person with your hand on the throttle.

Some critics say motorcyclists cause too many accidents. They might be surprised to know statistics from a recent study supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded two-thirds of accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles are caused by the driver of the other vehicle violating the motorcyclist's right-of-way.

The study also concluded the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominate cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in a collision with a motorcycle didn't see the motorcycle before the accident or until it was too late.

"Motorcycles are smaller and therefore harder to see," said Brenda Netterville, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course instructor and motorcyclist for more than 30 years. "And sadly, there are times when the prejudice of four-wheel drivers against motorcycles in general may play into a situation of the right-of-way not being given to the motorcyclist."

Some steps motorists should take to contribute to motorcycle safety are looking out for motorcyclists, respecting a motorcycle as a full-sized vehicle with equal rights to the road and allowing plenty of space when following a motorcycle.

There are also some critics who say motorcycles are too dangerous and cause too many deaths. Tell that to the hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists who have been riding safely for years and are still here to tell about it.

"With proper motorcycle size and fit, proper protective gear, proper maintenance, and being prepared physically and mentally, motorcycling is just as safe as (driving) any other vehicle," said Floyd Netterville, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course instructor and motorcyclist for more than 30 years.

Motorcyclists can also take steps to contribute to their safety by driving responsibly and within their abilities, respecting the power of the motorcycle and taking one of the numerous motorcycle safety courses available to both beginners and experienced riders.

Opinions vary about the safety of motorcycles, but the reality is there are many motorcyclists on the roads and even more automobile drivers. The good thing is there is plenty of room on the roads for everyone.

If you are driving an automobile, actively look for and grant motorcyclists their space. If you are a motorcyclist, operate safely and within the rules of the road. These attitudes will help make our roads safer for all of us.