#5. Motorcycling
Step 1: IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS:
Let’s look at the hazardsassociated with Motorcycling:
- Experience of operator
- Weather (black ice, rain, sleet, snow, and extreme winds)
- Location (dirt trails, gravel roads, urban roads)
- Wildlife (bugs, bears, moose, and other critters)
- Activities (Riding with a group, touring, commuting)
Step 2: ASSESS THE RISK: Then assess the impact of each hazard in terms of potential loss and severity:
- Inexperienced operators should take more time to get to location/drive slower
- Injuries and damage due to changing road conditions created by the weather
- Incidents involving traveling over rough dirt or gravel roads, and urban roads with potholes and other obstacles
- Potential for injury by bug strikes in the face or other exposed flesh, as well as bears, moose, or other animals darting into path of travel
- Experience level of other riders in the group as well as your own experience level; increased potential for mishap due to alcohol consumption by members of group or other drivers; traveling for long periods of time and fatiguing yourself; erratic driving by other drivers; other drivers’ failure to yield
Step 3: ANALYZE RISK CONTROL MEASURES: Once you have identified the hazards and assessed the associated risk, you should decide on some controls which can be employed to reduce or mitigate the hazards:
- Operators need to attend a motorcycle safety course and drive defensively
- Check the weather and plan accordingly. Don’t take chances with summer rain, sleet, or snow. In case of inclement weather, allow extra time for travel and slow your speed down
- Only travel on roads or trails your motorcycle is designed for; try to choose routes in town that are relatively free of potholes; do not exceed the posted speed limit
- Wear protective clothing that does not leave skin exposed; wear and use face shield on helmet or equip motorcycle with windshield; wear impact resistant eye protection; slow down in areas frequented by bears or moose (signs are usually posted in these areas); continuously scan road ahead and shoulders of road for signs of wildlife
- Avoid traveling in groups until you have sufficient experience. Avoid traveling with people who are "risk takers" or are known to flaunt their abilities. Do not drink or allow others to drink and ride. Know and practice defensive driving techniques. Strive to be visible to other drivers by driving with headlight on and by wearing highly visible clothing. When traveling long distances, take frequent breaks, and avoid trying to drive longer than reasonable distances per day
Step 4: MAKE CONTROL DECISIONS: Accept the risk, avoid the risk, reduce the risk, or spread the risk. Do not make dumb decisions.
Step 5: RISK CONTROL IMPLEMENTATION: Once you select appropriate controls, use them! A plan is only good if it is followed.
Step 6: SUPERVISE AND REVIEW: As always, the situation is subject to change quickly. Monitor the situation and adjust as necessary to keep things under control. Motorcycling is a great way to have fun and we all deserve a break every now and then. Use risk management to make your riding experience memorable and safe. No one wants an outing to turn into a tragedy!
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