Texas Driver Safety and Training

Memorial Day weekend is coming, meaning thousands of motorists are going to be hitting the road, to get together with family and friends. As sure as fun to be had during this weekend, there will also be a lot of drivers on the road.

No matter what way you decide to spend Memorial Day weekend, be it at home or away, here are some common things to watch out for:

Crowds – You may not be leaving for someplace else during the weekends, but drivers visiting some family where you live may still come to where you live. You may also be spending time away, but the thing is, there will be people everywhere. Be alert when it comes to driving, and be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially small children who may dart into the street or near your vehicle. When in new places, familiarize yourself with their roads and observe local street laws.

Motorcycles and bicycles – Though May is ending, it is still motorcycle safety awareness month. Make sure to know the proper way on how to share the road with these two-wheeled vehicles. Give them enough space, and always be alert. If you yourself will be riding a motorcycle or bicycle, make yourself visible by using your lights when it's dark, and always wear the proper biking safety gear.

Pace yourself – A weekend is a weekend, and even if there's a lot to see, it will always seem like there's not enough time for everything. Plan ahead, schedule a properly-scheduled itinerary filled with the activities you want, and some alternatives if some events/activities are impossible to do.

The most common factors leading to accidents during big weekends like this is alcohol consumption and improper/lack-of seatbelt use.

Alcohol – No matter how much fun there is to be had, alcohol shouldn't be part of it for anyone who will be operating a vehicle. For starters, it is illegal. Another, it's pretty dangerous for everyone involved, be it driver, passenger, motorcyclist, biker or pedestrian. Third, during big weekends like this, patrols will be setup in most areas, so don't think you can "get away with it."

Seat belts – It takes just a few seconds to buckle up. In some states, it is important to know that law enforcement check rear-seat passengers if they are buckled up as well. Do the responsible thing and take a few seconds to buckle up your seatbelt.

Labels: motorcycle safety

The El Paso Police Department now continues to offer a free motorcycle safety course for drivers who want to get the most out of operating motorcycles. This is an action to counter the number of accidents involving them. Here are some motorcycle statistics for all of Texas:

• More then 95 percent of all motorcycle crashes result in injury to the rider --- 45 percent of these injuries are life-threatening.
• 3/4 of all motorcycle crashes involve a collision with another vehicle.
• There's almost no reaction time given to the rider in a motorcycle crash. The moments go by way too quick.
• Half of motorcycle crashes involve alcohol.
• 90 percent of motorcyclists injured have no formal rider training.

The classes will be held on the third Saturday of each month. Class is from 10 AM to 1 PM. They will be held at Edge Kawasaki located at 10310 Montana and is completely free and open to the public.

Learn more about how to get your Texas motorcycle license and get ready to take your motorcycle out on the road safely.

Labels: driver safety course, motorcycle safety, motorcyclists

Spring is in full swing. The weather is warmer and people are excited! Many are excited to simply hang up their winter coats and pull out their summer dresses. Others, are excited to polish their motorcycles and take them out for long over due rides. As the temperature increases, the amount of motorcyclists on the road increases too. May begins peak riding season and is also Motorcycle Safety Month.

Motorcycle Safety Month aims to remind drivers to be aware of motorcycle riders and to be mindful of their safety according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. About half of all motorcycle crashes involve a passenger vehicle. In those crashes, the car driver is most often at fault. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation reminds drivers to, “drive nice and look twice.” Meaning, drivers should double check blind spots and be acutely aware to the presence of motorcyclists around them.

Motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the state of Texas help promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness throughout the month. Although it is national Motorcycle Safety Month, the Texas initiative was started in 2003 by the Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents (TCOC&I). The state-wide effort involves 10 TCOC&I Regions with is comprised of 211 cities and 14 counties. Texas Governor Rick Perry helped kick off the safety promotion. He encouraged, "All Texas motorists to do everything they can to ensure the safety of motorcyclists and other users of Texas roadways."

There are many things that drivers can do to help ensure the safety of the motorcyclists they’re sharing road space with. Some of the following safety precautions may seem like common sense. However, since almost two-thirds of fatal motorcycle crashes involve a passenger vehicle, clearly a little reminder wouldn’t hurt.

• Look out for Motorcyclists



Check your blind spots often




Double check them when you're attempting to change lanes



• Pay attention



Distracted drivers are especially dangerous to motorcyclists

• Give riders room to maneuver



Motorcycles need as space on the road a normal passenger car.




During wet road conditions it can take a motor cycle longer than a car to come to a sudden stop.



• Always use your turn signal


• Don't litter




Cigarettes, trash and other debris on the road can be hazardous to motorcyclists if they run it over or are hit with it while riding.

If you are a motorcyclist there are many things you can do to better protect yourself on the road. First and foremost you should obtain a motorcycle license and proper motorcycle safety training. These are absolutely imperative, without a license and proper training the following safety measurers will mostly likely render completely useless. However, once licensed and trained, the following measures will help ensure your safety.

• Ensure your motorcycle is in good shape


 Check tire pressure weekly.
 Check the treading on a regular basis to prevent a major blow-out on the highway.
 Check of oil and/or gas leaks on a regular basis.


• Wear Protection


 Always wear a helmet! It may not look too cool, but it will definitely help save your life. If your helmet does not have a full face guard, you should purchase goggles.
 A long sleeved leather jacket and leather pants will help prevent painful road burn in the event there is an accident. Another heavy fabric can also be substituted for leather is you prefer.
 Thick soled boots that cover your ankles will help prevent burns for the heat of the road and your bike.


• Use good judgment

 Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is always a bad idea. It doesn't matter if you are licensed, trained and wearing all the right gear, if you’re operating a motorcycle impaired your odds of being involved in an accident increase tremendously.
 Follow the rules of the road. Always obey speed limits and other rules of the road.
 Ride within your own limits. There is no need to show off on motorcycle, plenty of people already think your brave for being on one in the first place.

Labels: motorcycle safety, motorcyclists