Safety Program
There are over 4 million motorcycles registered in
the United States. The popularity of this mode of transportation is attributed
to the low initial cost of a motorcycle, its use as a pleasure vehicle and, for
some models, the good fuel efficiency. Motorcycle fatalities represent
approximately five percent of all highway fatalities each year, yet motorcycles
represent just two percent of all registered vehicles in the United States. One
of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the
motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection in a crash. For example,
approximately 80 percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or
death; a comparable figure for automobiles is about 20 percent.
An automobile has more weight and
bulk than a motorcycle. It has door beams and a roof to provide some measure of
protection from impact or rollover. It has cushioning and airbags to soften
impact and safety belts to hold passengers in their seats. It has windshield
washers and wipers to assist visibility in the rain and snow. An automobile has
more stability because it's on four wheels, and because of its size, it is
easier to see. A motorcycle suffers in comparison when considering vehicle
characteristics that directly contribute to occupant safety. What a motorcycle
sacrifices in weight, bulk, and other crashworthiness characteristics is
somewhat offset by its agility, maneuverability, ability to stop quickly, and
ability to swerve quickly when necessary. (www.nhtsa.dot.gov)
A motorcyclist should attend a motorcycle rider-training course to learn how to safely and skillfully operate a motorcycle. There are many ways to be safe while riding a motorcycle. Some are mandatory, like wearing a helmet or other safety equipment (depending on the area you are riding through). And some are as easy as wearing bright or reflective clothing to be easily seen at night by motorists on the road. In addition to attending a motorcycle safety course you can follow these simple rules:
(1) Treat other motorists with courtesy and respect.
(2) Avoid tailgating.
(3) Avoid riding between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic.
(4) Know and obey traffic laws, including ordinances in your community.
(5) Use signals when appropriate.
(6) Be especially alert at intersections because approximately 70 percent of motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur there! Watch for vehicles that may unexpectedly turn in front of you or pull out from a side street or driveway. At intersections where vision is limited by shrubbery, parked vehicles, or buildings, slow down, make doubly sure of traffic, and be prepared to react quickly.
(7)Check the rearview mirrors before changing lanes or stopping.
(8) Watch the road surface and traffic ahead to anticipate problems and road hazards. Road hazards that are minor irritations for an automobile can be a major hazard for a rider. Hazards include potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris or other objects on the roadway, ruts, uneven pavement, and railroad tracks. Painted roadway markings and manhole covers can be extremely slippery when wet. Go around most hazards. To do so safely, you must be able to spot such hazards from a distance. Slow down before reaching the obstacle and make sure you have enough room before changing direction. Railroad tracks should be crossed at an angle as close to 90 degrees as possible.
As a FORR® Member you qualify for a $60.00 rebate for taking the safety class
Basic Rider Course (BRC) for Beginning Riders
Freedom of Road Riders®, Inc. can introduce you to the exciting experience of motorcycling - the ultimate freedom!
Our Basic Rider Course is designed for the person with little or no riding experience. You supply the desire and enthusiasm to learn, along with your own protective gear*. We supply: professionally trained instructors, learner's motorcycle, complete course insurance, classroom and range area.
The BRC is a two-day course, taught on weekends for your convenience. On the first day we teach you the basic skills needed to safely operate a motorcycle. Day two deals with learning how to deal with street riding situations and gives you the confidence and skills necessary to be a safe and happy rider.
Our courses are fully approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and graduates qualify for insurance discounts with many companies.
Students under 18 must have prior approval of a parent or guardian.
Advance registration with full deposit required - BRC Tuition Fee = $175.00.
Experience the ultimate freedom! Sign-up for a Freedom of Road Riders®, Inc. Basic Rider Course today! Nearest site coordinator listed below.
*Students must supply their own DOT approved Apparel. Helmet, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots.
Experienced Rider Course (ERC) for Experienced Riders
If you're an experienced rider, with at least one year of street riding experience, Freedom of Road Riders®, Inc can show you how to get the most from yourself and your motorcycle. Our one-day ERC will help fine-tune the skills you already have and teach you new techniques to make riding safer and more enjoyable.
We teach the course on weekends for your convenience. You supply your own motorcycle (with current liability insurance), protective riding gear*, and the desire and enthusiasm to learn. We supply everything else. Our classes are fully approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and graduates qualify for insurance discounts with many companies.
Advance registration with full deposit required - ERC Tuition Fee = $75.00.
Accept the challenge of becoming a better rider! Sign-up for the Experienced Rider Course today! Nearest site coordinator listed below.
*Students must supply their own DOT approved Apparel. Helmet, eye protection, gloves, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots.
Maryville Site - Contact - Doug Clawson – 800.309.RIDE (7433)
Safety Course Registration Form
Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program Webpage
E-mail Local 29's Safety Officer Russell Felts for more information
