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KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER
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Plan — The leader should look ahead for changes and signal early so "the
word gets back" in plenty of time. Start lane changes early to permit
everyone to complete the change.
Put Beginners Up Front — Place inexperienced riders just behind the
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leader. That way the more experienced riders can watch them from the back.
Follow Those Behind —Let the tailender set the pace. Use your mirrors to
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keep an eye on the person behind. If a rider falls behind, everyone should slow
down a little to stay with the tailender.
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Know the Route —Make sure everyone knows the route. Then, if someone is
separated they won't have to hurry to keep from getting lost or taking a wrong
turn. Plan frequent stops on long rides.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Maintain close ranks but at the same time keep a safe distance to allow each rider in the group time and space to react to hazards. A close group
takes up less space on the highway, is easier to see and is less likely to be separated. However, it must be done properly.
Don't Pair Up — Never operate directly alongside another rider. There is no place to go if you have to avoid a car or something on the
road. To talk, wait until you are both stopped.
Staggered Formation —This is the best way to keep ranks close yet maintain an adequate space cushion. The leader rides in the left side of
the lane, while the second rider stays one second behind in the right side of the lane.
A third rider maintains in the left position, two seconds behind the first rider. The fourth rider would keep a two-second distance behind the second
rider. This formation keeps the group close and permits each rider a safe distance from others ahead, behind and to the sides.
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Passing in Formation —Riders in a staggered formation should pass one at a time.
First, the lead rider should pull out and pass when it
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is safe. After passing, the leader should return to the left
position and continue riding at passing speed to open
room for the next rider.
After the first rider passes safely, the second rider
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should move up to the left position and watch for a safe
chance to pass. After passing, this rider should return to
the right position and open up room for the next rider.
Some people suggest that the leader should move to the
right side after passing a vehicle. This is not a good idea.
It encourages the second rider to pass and cut back in
before there is a large enough space cushion in front of
the passed vehicle. It's simpler and safer to wait until
there is enough room ahead of the passed vehicle to
allow each rider to move into the same position held
before the pass.
Single-File Formation —It is best to move into a
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single-file formation when riding curves, turning, entering
or leaving a highway
Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders pay attention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle,
identifying potential hazards, making good judgments and executing decisions quickly and skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to
changing road and traffic conditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and other drugs, more than any other factor, degrade your
ability to think clearly and to ride safely. As little as one drink can have a significant effect on your performance.
Let's look at the risks involved in riding after drinking or using drugs. What to do to protect yourself and your fellow riders is also examined.
WHY THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT
Alcohol is a major contributor to motorcycle crashes, particularly fatal crashes. Studies show that 40% to 45% of all riders killed in motorcycle
crashes had been drinking. Only one-third of those riders had a blood alcohol concentration above legal limits. The rest had only a few drinks in
their systems—enough to impair riding skills. In the past, drug levels have been harder to distinguish or have not been separated from drinking
violations for the traffic records. But riding "under the influence" of either alcohol or drugs poses physical and legal hazards for every rider.
Drinking and drug use is as big a problem among motorcyclists as it is among automobile drivers. Motorcyclists, however, are more likely to be
killed or severely injured in a crash. Injuries occur in 90% of motorcycle crashes and 33% of automobile crashes that involve abuse of substances.
On a yearly basis, 2,100 motorcyclists are killed and about 50,000 seriously injured in this same type of crash. These statistics are too
overwhelming to ignore.
By becoming knowledgeable about the effects of alcohol and other drugs you will see that riding and substance abuse don't mix. Take positive
steps to protect yourself and prevent others from injuring themselves.
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN MOTORCYCLE OPERATION
No one is immune to the effects of alcohol or drugs. Friends may brag about their ability to hold their liquor or perform better on drugs, but
alcohol or drugs make them less able to think clearly and perform physical tasks skillfully. Judgment and the decision-making processes needed
for vehicle operation are affected long before legal limitations are reached.
GROUP PASSING (stage 1)
BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE
22
13
When riding in a group, inexperienced riders
should position themselves:
A. Just behind the leader.
B. In front of the group.
C. At the tail end of the group.
D. Beside the leader.
Answer - page 25
GROUP PASSING (stage 2)
Test Yourself
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