KEEP THE GROUP SMALL

Small groups make it easier and safer for car drivers who need to get around them. A small number isn't separated as easily by traffic or red lights. Riders won't always be hurrying to catch up. If your group is larger than four or five riders, divide it up into two or more smaller groups.

KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER

There are several ways to keep riders from being separated from the group:

Plan ahead

If you are the leader, look ahead for changes. Give signals early so "the word gets back" in plenty of time. Start lane changes early enough to allow everyone to complete the change.

Put beginners up front

Place inexperienced riders behind the leader, where they can be watched by more experienced riders.

Follow those behind

Let the tailender set the pace. Use your mirrors to keep an eye on the person behind you. If he or she falls behind, everyone should slow a little so the group will stay with the tailender.

Know the route

Make sure everybody knows the route. Then if someone is separated for a moment, he or she won't have to hurry in fear of taking a wrong turn or getting lost.

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

It is important to keep close ranks at a safe distance. 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

Operating directly alongside another motorcycle is a dangerous practice. If you have to avoid a car or something in the road, there will be no place to go. If you need to say something to another rider, wait until you are both stopped.

Staggered formation

The best way to keep close ranks and still maintain an adequate space cushion is to use a "staggered" formation. The leader rides in the left side of the lane while the second rider stays a little behind and rides in the right side of the lane. A third rider would take the left position, a normal three second distance behind the first rider. The fourth rider would be a normal three second distance behind the second rider. This formation keeps the group close without reducing following distance and having riders drive alongside one another.

Single file formation

Staggered formation can be safely used on an open highway; however, a single file should be resumed on curves, during turns, and when entering or leaving a highway.

Passing other vehicles when in formation

Riders in a staggered formation should pass other vehicles one at a time. Here is one way: When it is safe to do so, the lead rider should pull out and pass. When the leader returns to the lane, he or she should take the left lane position and keep going to open a gap for the next rider. As soon as the first rider is safely by, the second rider should move to the left position and watch for a safe chance to pass. After passing, this rider should return to the right lane position and open up a gap 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 is 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.

BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE

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. Even one drink can impair your performance.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is a major contributor to motorcycle accidents, particularly fatal accidents. 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 (BAC) above legal limits. The rest had only a few drinks in their systems–enough to impair riding skills.

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 an accident.

Alcohol enters the bloodstream quickly. Unlike most foods and beverages, it does not need to be digested. Within minutes after being consumed, it reaches the brain and begins to affect the drinker. The major effect alcohol has is to slow down and impair bodily functions-both mental and physical. Whatever you do, you do less well after consuming alcohol.

Factors such as your sex, physical condition, and food intake contribute to the way alcohol affects your system. These are just a few of the things that can cause your BAC level to be even higher.

There are times when a larger person may not accumulate as high a BAC for each drink consumed because they have more blood and other bodily fluids than a smaller person. Still, it is better not to take the chance that abilities and judgment have not been affected. Whether or not you are legally intoxicated is not the real issue. Impairment of judgment and skills begins well below the legal limit.

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

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.

Many over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs have side effects that increase the risk of riding. It is difficult to accurately measure the involvement of particular drugs in motorcycle accidents. However, we do know what effects various drugs have on the process involved in riding a motorcycle. We also know that the combined effects of alcohol and other drugs are more dangerous than either is alone.

ALCOHOL AND THE LAW

In California, it is illegal to drive with a BAC that is eight hundredths (0.08) of one percent or greater. However, a BAC below .08% does not mean that it is safe to drive. It is not safe to drive even after one drink. It does not matter how sober you may look or act. The breath, blood, or urine test is what usually determines whether you are riding legally or illegally.

IMPORTANT: You cannot legally drink under the age of 21 years. The law is very strict if you are under 21 and drive with a BAC that is 0.01% or more (VC 23136). The California Driver Handbook has more information.

Your chances of being stopped for riding under the influence of alcohol are increasing. Law enforcement is being stepped up across the country in response to the senseless deaths and injuries caused by drinking drivers and riders.

FATIGUE

Riding a motorcycle is much more tiring than driving a car. When planning a trip, bear in mind that you will get tired much more quickly than you would in a car, and the effects of fatigue upon your control of the vehicle will be much worse.

Here are some things to prevent fatigue:

• Protect yourself from the elements. Wind, cold, and rain make you tire quickly. Dress warmly. A windshield is worth its cost if you plan to do a lot of traveling.
• Limit your distance. Experienced riders seldom try to ride more than about six hours a day.
• Take frequent rest breaks. Stop and get off the cycle at least every two hours.
• Do not drink or use drugs. Artificial stimulants often result in extreme fatigue or depression when they start to wear off.

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