SOME EXCERPTS ARE TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/standout.htm

I know gas keeps going up and more and more people are cutting back on spending.   As a small business owner, I do worry about sales.   Will bikers continue to buy what might be considered a luxury item for their bikes?   My business is AKA Motorcycle Accessories and we sell chrome air horns, oil dipsticks, air filter cleaner covers for Harleys, as well as LEDs, flags and flag mounts, engine guard chaps and more.  All are top quality and designed to add to the quality of your motorcycle.

In my way of thinking, a “LOUD” horn to announce the fact that you’re in this space to another vehicle is not a luxury.  Neither is adding LEDs for greater visibility…particularly if you ride at night.   Loud pipes are not always enough since sometimes the sound is difficult to locate.   Motorcyclists change lanes frequently to compensate for road conditions and because they can.   Other motorists may be looking for you, but do they see you when they pull into the other lane…your lane?

According to the DPS, more than half of all motorcycle accidents occur because the motorist simply “did not see the motorcyclist coming.”

Motorists tend to look for other cars, not for motorcycles. In addition, motorcyclists are hard to see because of their small profile. Finally, because motorcycles accelerate quickly and motorcyclists often change lanes to adjust to road conditions, drivers often misjudge motorcyclists and fail to predict their patterns.

Therefore, when you are riding a motorcycle:

  • Never assume that you are visible to a driver;
  • Ride where you can be seen; and
  • Increase your visibility so others will notice you.

A smart rider should “Stand Out”.

REMEMBER: The front and sides of a motorcycle are much more important to your visibility than the rear of the cycle. To Stand Out, brighten those areas first.   If you don’t have LEDs on your bike, then the only lights you do have are the standard headlights and turn signals for the front and tail lights for the rear.   Sitting sideways at an intersection, a motorcyclist at night is almost invisible or is invisible to oncoming motorists.

A lot of motorcyclists don’t want LEDs on their bike because they think it frivolous.   Is your life frivolous?  If you have a family who need you, who love you, then anything that adds Visibility to you when you ride is NOT A LUXURY.   Suicide is considered a selfish act.   Riding without increased visibility is suicidal.

BE SEEN

The most common accident between drivers and motorcyclists occurs at an intersection when a driver is making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcyclist. A typical response from the driver after the accident is, “I never saw him!”

In addition, accidents where the motorcycle is the only vehicle involved often result when drivers pull out in front of  motorcyclists, causing them to overbrake, slide, and fall.

As a motorcyclist, you are more likely to Be Seen in these and other high-risk situations if you have added visibility with LEDs.   Placed and installed properly, LEDs can save your life.   At the time, you may not realize that until that motorist spotted your lights, he was about to make a turn right where you were sitting.

Proceed Cautiously at Intersections
Make sure that drivers in front of you and facing you know that you are approaching. Be particularly careful when a driver is about to make a left turn in front of you, even if you think that the driver has seen you.

Ride Where You Can Be Seen
Remember that there is no ONE safe place to ride. You must ride where you can Be Seen. Avoid the driver’s blind spots. Give yourself room, and be prepared for emergency braking situations or avoidance maneuvers. Make your lane moves gradually, and always use appropriate signaling.

Never Share a Lane with a Car
Although they may seem to save time or avoid traffic snarls, sharing a lane or riding between cars is dangerous. A driver simply does not expect you there and may proceed accordingly.

Signal the Driver
Clearly signal your intentions. Use your horn to alert drivers that seem unaware. Flashing your headlights from high to low beam also alerts a driver that you are approaching. Let drivers know where you are and how you plan to proceed.

Never Assume the Right of Way is Given to You
Proceed only when you are sure that it is safe to do so.

Check us out at http://www.akamotorcycleaccessories.com for top quality air horns, flags, flag mounts, engine guard chaps for greater comfort, as well as LEDs for your bike.   Let us know what motorcycle you ride, what color you want your LEDs and we’ll customize an LED light kit just for you that will include as many or as few lights as you want.

So, is there a recession?   Would you consider buying LEDs and/or chrome parts for your bike?