The holiday season is here and motorcyclists across the country are gearing up to travel to and from festive celebrations with loved ones. In order to prevent a dangerous or even fatal collision, it is crucial to practice good safety habits. Here are a few things we recommend to help you ride safely this winter, especially during the holidays.
- Always Ride Sober. While the holidays are certainly a great reason to get out and raise a glass, it’s important to do so only when you have a safe way to get home. Riding under the influence can impair your judgment and coordination while slowing your reaction time. Even if you’re sober and alert, others you’re sharing the road with may not be. If you happen to spot a drunk driver, pull over immediately and call 9-1-1.
- Be Seen. Though the holiday season is merry and bright, the hours of daylight start to dwindle causing the risk of collision to increase. Day or night, it’s imperative to make sure other vehicles on the road can see you. This means investing in high-visibility gear for you and your bike, and confirming that your motorcycle’s lights are in working order before each ride.
- Use a Defensive Mindset. This time of year, Washington roads are often slick and packed with people rushing to parties or hustling to get their holiday shopping done. It’s extremely important to ride defensively and have a heightened awareness of road conditions to prevent collisions. Remember, the vehicles around you are unpredictable, so using a defensive mindset while riding can help you avoid unsafe situations.
It’s a Fine Line is an inclusive community of motorcycle riders advocating one common mission: zero motorcycle deaths by 2030. We want to share videos and stories about motorcycle events, rides, clubs, gear, safety, and training because we believe that together we can save the lives of our friends, our families, and our communities.
All good reminders of what we already know, but sometimes forget to practice.
My favorite that’s kept me and my bike undamaged for 50 years and several hundred thousand miles is: Ride as if you are invisible to others- be prepared with an escape plan.
Very well said
In eastern Washington you are going to fall on snow and ice well before a collision is possible during the holidays….so we have that lol
Beginning each ride. “I will not hurt or kill my self or anyone else on this ride. I will meet this commitment because there are people who love and depend on me and who I want to spend more time with. I will not react stupidly or aggressively to the mistakes or aggression of other drivers. I will pay attention to what’s going on around me 360° . I will obey traffic laws but if I decide to speed will only do so and there’s clear line of sight and limited critter habitat. I will arrive home safely enjoy a fine meal and good wine with those I love.”
Coming from Seattle to Olympia yesterday mid-afternoon on I-5, had two different vehicles start to come in on me (I was in hov lane). Only my spider sense and evasive action kept me safe. One almost got my foot before I could swerve away. They just don’t see you even when they are right next to you.