Home | FAQ | Program | Staff | Safety Articles | Clearinghouse | Forms | Region F

The Holiday Crunch
by John Del Santo

The holiday season is upon us, and among with the rush and hustle, we can expect the accident rate to go up. The parking lots are a zoo at this time of year, and 17% of all urban accidents occur right there! If someone backs into a car, they'll crush a door....If they back into your bike they'll crush your leg. As you roll through any parking lot, watch the parked cars for brake lights, back-up lights, and motion. Be ready with your bakes (both of them), your throttle, and the horn.

With winter upon us, there are some drastic changes in temperature. Layer your clothing so that you can remove it as the day gets warmer or put it back on towards evening. A lot of heat loss happens through the neck and head....keep that area covered and warm. Good warm socks or insulated boots will protect your feet where the circulation is the least. Stop for more frequent breaks to get your circulation moving. We are trying to prevent hypothermia. The warning signs are feeling cold, getting the chills, shallow breathing, and a feeling of sleepiness. Using any alcohol will only slow the circulation further and put you into deeper danger. The results of hypothermia to a rider are to become disoriented or fall asleep.

Santa only takes that sleigh out for one day a year, and look how well he dresses for the weather. Most of us are out there on the bikes all winter long, no matter what the weather, so we need to ride smart. Take frequent breaks and keep warm...frequent high protein snacks to keep your body furnace fueled. Many cold medicines can be as deadly to a driver as alcohol....READ the label!! How's the tread on those tires? We all hope to be around on New Year's morning. So Ride Sober and Ride Safe!!

Until Next month,

COAST (Concentrate On A Safe Trip)