HCIL

MOTORCYCLE
SAFETY
Training Purpose
 Areas of Discussion
• Pre-ride inspection.
• The motorcycle.
• The rider.
• The licenses.
• The passenger.
• Group riding.
• The hazards.
Notice anything?
 MSF’s Pre-Ride Check
• T---Tires
• C---Controls
• L---Lights and Switches
• O---Oil and Fuel
• C---Chain and Chassis
• K---Kick and Side Stand
 The Motorcycle
• Handlebars: No person shall operate any motorcycle with
handlebars more than 15 inches in height above the portion of the seat
occupied by the operator. RS 32:191.3

• Left side mirror: required on all motorcycles. RS 32:354

• Electric turn signals: required on motorcycles
manufactured after 1962 . RS 32:306

• Footrest: required for transporting passengers. RS 32:191.3

 The Rider
• Riding Position: Sitting on seat, facing forward, one leg on
each side, and shall not carry any person or package that will interfere with
the operation or control. RS 32:191

• Helmet: Required on all operators and passengers (NHTSA

estimates helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries)

• Eye Protection Required: can be goggles, helmet’s

face shield, or bike’s windshield is of sufficient height to afford adequate
eye protection. RS 32:190.1

• Gloves, boots, leather riding apparel and

a helmet are recommended.
 The Licenses
• Motorcycles shall not be given a separate class, as
such, but their use shall be provided for by making
an endorsement on one of the basic classes
outlined in this section. RS 32:408
 The Passenger

• Eye Protection: not required.

• Helmet: Required
• Know your passenger/rider: communicate
about riding experience and motorcycling
knowledge.
 GROUP RIDING
• Proper mind set and attitude!!
• Ideal group size is 5 to 7 motorcycles, larger
groups should break up into mini groups.
• Designate “LEAD” and “SWEEP” riders.
• Understand and be able to use hand signals.
• Planning and preparation are key, don’t just
“wing it”
Staggered Riding Position
 Motorcyclists
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane on the
road
 The Hazards
• Loose gravel.
• Oil spots & vehicle fluids.
• Road taping/stripes.
• Animals.
• Manhole covers, metal surfaces.
• Uneven roads and/or lanes.
• Rain covered windshield/face shield.
• Bike provides no protection.
The #1 Road Hazard
The Hazard of Uneven Lanes
Loose Gravel
Where there is one bike there are
usually more!!!!!!
Road Objects
Ever seen this?
 TROOP E STATS
2004 – 2 motorcycle fatalities (Both not wearing helmets)

2005 – 9 motorcycle fatalities (6 not wearing helmets)

 STATE WIDE FATALITIES

• 2003 – 83 motorcycle fatatlities (78 driver,5

passenger

• 2004 – 80 motorcycle fatalities (77 driver, 3

passenger)

• 2005 – 70 motorcycle fatalities (63 driver, 7

passenger)
 Nation Wide

• In 2004, 4,008 people died in

motorcycle crashes – up from
3,714 in 2003

• There were 5.4 million

motorcycles on US roads in
2003

• Motorcycle sales reached about

1,100,000 in 2004 – an increase
that hasn’t occurred in 30 years
 Nation Wide continued….
• In 2004, 21% of motorcycle operators had a BAC over
.08% compared to 22% of drivers of passenger cars.

• 36% of all operators were speeding, twice the rate of

passenger cars/light trucks.

• 24% were riding without a valid license/endorsement,

compared to 12% for passenger car operators.

• 76,000 motorcycle riders were injured in 2004 compared to

67,000 in 2003 (13.4% increase)
Use good judgment and
ride safely.

Thank You
Louisiana State Police Troop E
1710 Odom Street
Alexandria, La.
318-487-5911