As we are in a new riding season I hope we did the normal things, check tire pressure, look at the condition of the tires, check the oil, make sure all the lights work, or taking it to a qualified mechanic to have a spring check up done on our rides.

The one thing that most of us over look which is probably the most important for our own safety and others is, to do a tune up on our riding skills.  Even as little as one month out of the saddle your skills can lessen and you may not be as sharp as you once were. This spring has been cold and wet. It may seem silly but a trip to a parking lot to do basic maneuvers could save your life later. We forget how the bike handles until we get out and try to do things like how to push through a curve, or to look where we want to be.

The other thing that we need to remember is to scan what is behind us, what is in front of us, and what is to each side of us. There have been a number of major motorcycle accidents already this last month. We are the ones with the responsibility for our own safety. If you think that driver is looking out for your safety; then you are sadly mistaken. That driver has far too much on his or her mind to be worried about someone on a motorcycle. It is up to us to drive in such a manner as to be visible. Loud pipes to make people aware that we are somewhere around them but if they do not see us then we can become road kill.

Remember the three D’s look out for Dummies, Deer, and Dogs! With the flooding of the rivers deer and other animals are being pushed out of their normal areas and forced into the road ways and populated areas. This means we need to be scanning the sides of the roads for potential crossings. I have witnessed several deer dead on the side of the roads and a few more in areas that I don’t usually see deer. Remember each one of us is responsible for our own safety.