BILLINGS- The increase in temperature also means an increase of all kinds traffic on Montana’s roads, including those on two wheels.
Beartooth Harley Davidson owner Barry Usher said Friday drivers need to pay attention to what’s around them.
“There’s more motorcycles out on the road right now,” Usher said. “We need cars to be consciously looking for motorcycles, and bicycles, and any other vehicle that’s on the road. Even pedestrians.”
On Friday, first responders went tofive accidents in Billings and Laurel, two involving motorcycles. Both riders were taken to the hospital for their injuries.
Usher said motorists should “look three times.” They should look left, look right, and look again, to make sure there’s no one in their path, Usher said.
Also, give motorcycles the same room as a car. It makes the road safer for everyone traveling, Usher said.
And if you are a motorcyclist, Usher listed tips to keep yourself safe.
“We always talk about being the defensive rider,” Usher said. “We always try to anticipate what the other person is going to be doing. A lot of people think it’s only when people are going fast. But it happens when people are going slow too.”
In Billings, Usher says that riders and drivers should be looking for blind corners, and using caution while navigating them.
Motorcyclists should also be wearing a helmet, boots, pants, and a long-sleeved jacket to better protect themselves in the case of a crash.
“You need to be a defensive rider if you are on the motorcycle. And if you are in a car, you definitely need to look out. It’s not just motorcycles. There’s pedestrians on the road, there’s more bicycles on the road, kids are going to be out of school soon. So they are going to be playing in their neighborhoods and everything. We all need to watch out for everybody.”
Remember: look three times, give motorcycles some room, and get out there and safely enjoy Montana.
For more information on motorcycle safety, visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/plans/motorcycle.shtml
