By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Spring brings warmer weather and warmer weather brings out motorcycle riders.
St. Joseph Police Chief, Paul Luster, points out the city has already experienced a motorcycle fatality, one that took the life of a young man earlier this month.
Luster has several tips for motorists to avoid tragedy.
“One is just that awareness that they’re back out on the roads and everybody knows motorcycles, they’re smaller, they’re harder to see than other vehicles, so it’s important to check those blind spots and be vigilant of that, especially when you’re changing lanes or when you’re pulling out of that parking lot,” Luster says. “It’s important to do things like that and just be on the lookout; look twice for the motorcycles.”
For the riders, Luster advises staying ever vigilant; being on the alert for drivers who might be distracted by phones or other devices. He also advises wearing helmets and other safety clothing.
“I’ve seen a lot of accidents that could have been worse if that helmet wasn’t on,” Luster says. “So, I think it’s important that you’re wearing all that protective gear that you can and that it can be high visibility and all that stuff’s going to ultimately make you more visible and make you safer when you’re out there riding. If you’re going to ride a motorcycle, I think it’s very important that you have all the protective gear that you can on.”
One final piece of advice should go without saying.
“Always stay sober. Don’t ever ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s hard enough and dangerous enough; that impairs your reaction time and judgment. That’s going to really even more so significantly increase that risk of accidents,” Luster says. “You need to have all your wits about you when you’re riding a motorcycle.”
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