One Brick Short

They got it!

AAA, the official organization of cagers, has put out a warning to its populace that today is Our Day, brothers and sisters of the Fringe.

“AAA reminds all motorists to be vigilant about their safety and the safety of those around them, especially around two wheeled vehicles on the road ways of the Commonwealth.  Motorcycle and scooter riders don’t have the metal cage around them that automobile drivers have and thus what would be a “fender bender” or small scratch for another car, could be fatal to a human body,“ said Martha Mitchell Meade, spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “AAA urges all motorists to leave an extra large pillow of space around bikers, not just today on Ride to Work Day, but every day as the number of bikes on our roadways continues to grow significantly.“

At last half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and another vehicle and the majority of cases the other motorist is at fault.

AAA asks cagers to respect the motorcyclist and remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the privileges of any vehicle on the roadway. Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel.

You motorcyclists make sure you don’t give up your lane unnecessarily but don’t fight with a car. It’s bigger. It will win.

AAA wants drivers to watch the motorcyclist on the highway, at intersections, when turning and when a motorcyclist changes lanes.

You motorcyclists be prepared to get out of the way when you’re stopped at a traffic light. Getting rear-ended is not always pleasant.

AAA says anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuver. Obstructions (debris, potholes, etc.) that drivers may ignore or not notice can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Predict their evasive actions. And allow plenty of space. Don’t follow a motorcycle too closely. Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions and so that you can avoid hitting them.

Take care of yourselves out there and enjoy the fun.

Work to ride and ride to work!