Motorcycle Boom

Q: I know you don’t write about motorcycles often but am hoping you’ll answer this: my husband, age 57, has suddenly decided to take up motorcycle riding. Never mind how stupid I think this is. I’m wondering if you can direct me (and him) to some source that will highlight the dangers so he’ll be prepared when he climbs on and imagines the only thing he has to worry about is crazy, distracted drivers. A: First, I sincerely hope he’s planning to take a motorcycle rider training class, which will prepare him for a lot of the risks (and how to manage them), and coach him on the skills he needs. Second, I hope he’ll always wear a helmet, even though they are not universally mandatory. He’s in the age group that has experienced a colossal spike in motorcycle deaths in recent years - now accounting for nearly one-third of annual motorcycle fatalities. He can get details on this and other aspects of motorcycle risk by going to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website, clicking on “topics” and then clicking on “motorcycles.” Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has some interesting stats in its motorcycle fatality report, including the fact that nearly one-quarter of all fatal motorcycle collision involved not other vehicles but stationary objects like bridge abutments or road debris. Go to NHTSA and type motorcycle fatality rates in the search bar. So that’s the information you seek. Still, it’s worth noting that many over-50 men and women are taking up riding during this period of their lives and they don’t wind up being statistics. Your concern is understandable. But his successfully completing training (and not drinking and riding) should reduce the risk considerably. By the way, there are online training options for new riders, but most experts say that although that method can form a good foundation it definitely shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for in-person, hands-on training, where, among other things, students in a safe, controlled environment will ride over road hazards and gain the experience and muscle memory that’ll help them react successfully when it happens on the interstate. Go online to find a training session in your area or ask at the motorcycle dealer, as they always know. What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.