Joint Base San Antonio-Medina Annex, Texas --
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month nationwide.
Everyone is encouraged to remember these valuable safety tips as you encounter motorcycles on the road this month and beyond.
The most important thing is to understand that vehicle drivers and motorcyclists must share the road. Vehicle drivers should be extra alert when motorcycles are around. At intersections, look, and then look again. That second look could be the difference between proper yielding and getting into an accident.
Motorcyclists must remember that, just like with operating a vehicle, the same laws apply when it comes to riding a motorcycle intoxicated. Statistics show that there are more intoxicated riders on the road than there are intoxicated drivers. The rule of thumb is: ride sober or get pulled over. Police are on the lookout for drunk drivers and riders.
In the state of Texas, a law established in 2015 requires the passenger on a motorcycle have bars or something they can grab hold of to hang on to as well. Most cruiser bikes already come with this device. However, if your bike is customized with chopper seats, you may want to consider this law before riding in Texas. If you’re stopped by the police for this, it will be considered a traffic violation misdemeanor and carry a fine of up to $500.
If you’re a beginner motorcycle rider, it is highly recommended that you attend a motorcycle safety course, especially if you intend to ride your motorcycle on base. When you approach the gate, the guard may ask you for the motorcycle endorsement on your license, so please be sure to keep that on you at all times.
Motorcyclists must also remember to wear personal protective equipment at all times when riding. PPE consists of a helmet, long sleeves, gloves, pants, over the ankle boots, and reflective material.
Motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the roadway. So, during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month — and throughout the rest of the year — drivers of all vehicles and all other road users are reminded to safely "share the road" with motorcyclists, and to be extra alert to help keep them safe.