General Headquarters — Columbus, Ohio

For Immediate Release: June 1, 2006
Contact: OSHP - Lt. Rick Zwayer or Sgt. Jon Gray (614) 752-2792
American Motorcyclist Association - Tom Lindsay (614) 856-1900 ext. 1357

Safe riding begins with pre-ride checks and good judgment

COLUMBUS – Safe motorcycling starts even before the ride begins. Riding a motorcycle takes coordination, balance, and, most important, good judgment. By taking just a few moments to conduct a pre-ride check of your motorcycle before you ride and choosing not to consume alcohol, you can increase the chances that nothing will go wrong while you are on the road.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), and Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Motorcycle Ohio office recommend riders follow the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s “T-CLOCK” pre-ride checklist to help make every ride safer:

• T – Tires and Wheels: Check the tires and wheels, which are the most important part of the motorcycle.
• C – Controls: Check the controls.
• L – Lights: Check the lights; including brake lights, headlights, and turn signals to ensure everything is in working order.
• O – Oil: Check the oil and fuel, and if the motorcycle is liquid-cooled, check the coolant levels.
• C – Chassis: Check the chassis, including the frame, suspension, chain or belt, and fasteners.
• K – Kickstand: Check the sidestand and centerstand to make sure they fold up properly, and stay up.

Alcohol and motorcycles don’t mix. As motorcyclists begin thinking about riding throughout the upcoming summer season, here are some points to consider from AMA’s national Ride Straight alcohol awareness program:

• Alcohol & you – Even one drink can negatively impact your ability to ride safely. The dangers posed by a loss of skill and judgment can be a problem anywhere motorcyclists ride after consuming alcohol.
• How much is too much? – Alcohol affects everyone differently; however it begins working on your brain and motor skills with the first drink.
• What you can do – The safest and most responsible choice is don’t drink and ride.

The goal of Ride Smart. Drive Smart. is to help motorcyclists and other drivers share the road safely. Three key safety awareness themes to achieve this goal are:

1. Ride Trained (including knowing proper safety gear to wear)/Ride Licensed;
2. Ride Sober (incorporating the AMA’s national Ride Straight program); and
3. Other drivers, be aware by looking out for motorcyclists.

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