Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Warm weather brings out the motorcycles
By Mary Lazich
Tuesday, May 29 2007, 06:37 AM
Summer is just round the corner and that means more motorcycles will be on Wisconsin roadways. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) says more than 450-thousand Wisconsinites have motorcycle licenses of permits and about 300-thousand motorcycles are registered. As a motorcycle enthusiast, I understand how important it is to be more aware of motorcycles on our roads.
According to the 2004 Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Facts Book, the most recent compilation of motorcycle crash date from the DOT:
• Most motorcyclists injured or killed in crashes are ages 25-44.
• Most crashes occur in June and July.
• Most fatal crashes occur June-September.
• Most crashes occur between 3 PM and 6 PM.
• Most crashes take place during daylight in clear weather on dry roads.
The Motorcycle Foundation offers these tips for riding a motorcycle safely:
• Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time.
• Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.
• Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have.
• If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.
• If you choose to wear a helmet, make sure it’s a quality helmet. Wear proper eye protection.
• Wear thick, protective clothing.
• Constantly search the road for changing conditions.
• Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’ actions.
• Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
• Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible. Watch for turning vehicles. Signal your next move in advance.
What if you don’t ride a motorcycle? The Motorcycle Foundation has suggestions to follow for car and truck drivers to share the road and make driving safer:
• Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
• When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
• Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
• Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds.
• Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
• Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."
Motorcyclists, drive safely this summer. Car and truck drivers, share the road safely with motorcyclists.
