SAFETY DRIVING TIPS| HOW TO ENJOY YOUR TRIP

PERJALANAN YANG MENAKUTKAN DI MALAM HARI

2008-11-28T08:55:00.000-08:00

Malam itu, tanggal 27 November 2008, saya pulang malam. Berangkat dari tempat pelatihan jam 18.00 , menuju rumah dengan jarak tempuh 77 km. Tentu saja, saya sendirian. Dengan sepeda motor kesayangan, saya melaju kencang. Kecepatan tidak saya ketahui berhubung speedometer mati.

Jangan tanya perasaan saya. Takut tentu saja. Bayangkan saja perempuan seorang diri malam-malam naik motor. Wuih....rasanya hero banget. Tapi itulah yang terjadi. Ada dua prinsip yang saya pegang teguh :

1. Jangan anggap malam ini adalah malam hari, anggap saja siang hari. toh jalannya sama, bedanya lagi gak ada matahari
2. Jangan anggap dirimu perempuan, anggap saja laki-laki. Jalan raya itu kejam. Jangan munculkan rasa perempuan, bisa-bisa kita tergilas di jalan. Bergaya dan berpikirlah seperti laki-laki. Ganas! Berani!

So, dengan dua prinsip itu saya melaju kencang. Selamat sampai ke rumah dua jam kemudian.Tak lupa berdoa kepada Allah Swt mohon perlindungan.

10 safety tips for motorcycle riders

2008-08-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

1. Make eye contact – never assume others see you. Always try to make eye contact with drivers who may be about to pull into your path.
2.Read “vehicle language” – even when drivers, cyclists and pedestrians do see you approaching, they often misjudge your distance and speed. Don't rely on them.
3.Watch out for left-turning vehicles at intersections – getting hit by an oncoming vehicle that's turning left is the most common type of motorcycle crash.
4.Check behind when turning left from a highway – watch your mirrors and make sure you have plenty of space behind. The drivers behind might not slow down for you.
5.Look out for hazardous road conditions – wet roads, fluid spills, sand, gravel, highway sealant, railroad tracks, potholes and other road-surface hazards reduce your traction. They cause many falls.
6.Take it easy on the curves – many crashes happen there. You might overshoot the road or cross the centre line and get hit by oncoming traffic. Watch the road ahead, slow down and choose the correct lane position-before entering a curve.
7.Wear a good helmet – Helmets prevent head injuries in 67 per cent of crashes and deaths in 29 per cent. They're also mandatory in B.C. Make sure your helmet has a sticker showing that it meets current safety standards. Avoid buying a used helmet. It may have been in a crash, and the damage may not be obvious.
8.Wear protective clothing designed for motorcycle riders – it can provide some protection during a crash, as well as shield you from the weather and flying debris. Keeping warm and dry will help you stay alert and maintain coordination. Wear your riding gear in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Jeans give little protection. Never ride in lightweight pants or shorts.
9.Protect your eyes and face – constant wind can make your eyes water, preventing you from spotting hazards. Flying insects, dust and debris can hurt your eyes and face. The best protection is a full-face helmet with a built-in face shield.
10.Be visible – Wear bright, reflective clothing. Add extra reflective material to it or wear a reflective vest. Likewise, buy a bright-coloured helmet and stick reflective tape to the back and sides. Always keep your headlight on. Ride in the lane position where other drivers can easily see you and you've got room to move. Avoid all other vehicles' blind spots.
(WWW.ICBC.COM)

IF YOU WANT TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE

2008-08-21T15:34:00.001-07:00

So you want to ride a motorcycle? Here's a checklist you'll want to consider before you jump in the saddle: (from : www.motorcycle.about.com)
• Safety Gear Motorcycling is a high-risk activity, and the most vulnerable riders are new ones. Protecting yourself with proper safety gear is an easy way to save yourself from injury, but the cost of gear adds up, and you'll want to add this to your biking budget.
• Training Courses Though it's common practice to experience your first ride in a parking lot, leave motorcycle training to the pros and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. The skills you'll learn will last you a lifetime, and MSF instructors will educate you with fundamental skills that will make you a better, more competent rider.
• Consider Your Bike Options Will you be borrowing a bike? Are you considering buying your first bike? Plan ahead by either borrowing, renting, or buying a bike, and you'll be more committed to following through with your path to motorcycling. You can also check out our Visual Guide to Motorcycle Types for more information on different bike styles.
• Start Slow As a newbie, you're most likely to make potentially dangerous mistakes. Relax, take it easy, and learn at your own pace; motorcycling is an acquired skill that takes plenty of practice, and it's important that you keep that in mind while you learn.
• Learn The Rules of the Road Traffic laws are different for motorcycles, and each state's Department of Motor Vehicles has online manuals for motorcyclists. Download one, and educate yourself on the laws that govern motorcycling.
• Get Licensed There's no excuse for riding on public roads without a license. Once you've taken a MSF course and learned the basics, schedule an appointment at your local DMV office and take the test.

DRIVING

2008-08-21T13:30:00.001-07:00

Driving is the controlled operation of a land vehicle, usually a motor vehicle such as a truck or a car. Although direct operation of a bicycle, a mounted animal (not including chariot operation) or a motorcycle (at least in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada) is commonly called riding, such operators are usually legally considered to be drivers and are required to obey those rules of the road which apply to all drivers.

ON THE ROAD EVERY DAY

2008-08-20T09:21:00.000-07:00