Monthly Archives: January 2013

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

PROTECTING YOUR EYES FROM TECHNOLOGY (GUEST POST)

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With technology all around us, we need to keep in mind how it effects our eyes. We use technology almost all day, every day. Whether we are checking our phones, working on the computer, or watching our favorite TV show, we use some type of technology. Our eyes weren’t meant to focus on 2-deminsional objects, like computer screens and TVs, for hours on end. By focusing on technology for too long, we can develop eye strain or Computer Vision Syndrome. Recent studies have shown that people who constantly use technology have a higher risk for developing glaucoma than those who limit their usage. There are a few things you can do to prevent hurting your eyes while using different technology.

An easy way to prevent eye strain is simply giving your eyes a rest. As a general rule, you should spend 5 minutes resting your eyes for every hour you spend looking at the computer. You can easily rest your eyes by either focusing on something else in the room or by closing your eyes. This will give your eyes a nice break and reduce the risk of getting eye strain or even an accommodative spasm. An accomodative spasm is when your eyes have focused on something close, like a book or computer, long enough that when you look away you have troubles focusing on further away objects, which can lead to several different problems. Accomodative spasm can result in eyestrain, headaches, troubles concentrating, and poor comprehension when reading. However, eye strains can result in headaches, dry or watery eyes, blurry vision, sore neck or back, shoulder pain, and sensitivity to light. By simply looking away and trying to focus on something else you can reduce getting sysptoms for either eye strain or accomodative spasm. To help out even more, you can get up and walk around for a few minutes as well. If you find it difficult to remember to take a break, there are plenty of programs such as EVO.  EVO is a simple desktop notification system that runs through your webrowser to remind you to take a break from your computer.

Changing the brightness on your screen depending on the time of day and the light surrounding you makes it a lot easier on your eyes. If you are using your phone outside at the brightest time of day, your screen should also be bright. The same concept goes if you are on your laptop at home with only a few lights on, you want the screen to be darker than it would be if the room was fully lit. Most laptops can be set to change the screen brightness automatically depending on the surrounding light. This is a special feature that most Macs come with, so if you are spending your day at work using accounting software you know that your Mac will instantly change the brightness of your screen according to the lights in your office. Where as, if your brought your accounting work home, your Mac would then change for the lighting in your house.  iPhone users can set their screen to change depending on the lighting around them. To set this up, you can go to the brightness and wallpaper settings on your phone and turn the Auto-Brightness option on. If you work in an office that has windows, you might need to reduce the glare on your computer screen. You can reduce glare by simply moving it in a place where the window won’t reflect on it, or by buying an anti-glare screen protector.

Having your computer in the proper position and making sure you are sitting correctly can help reduce eye strain, especially if you spend most of your day in front of a computer. When positioning your computer, you should keep the top of the monitor at eye level and have it be tilted slightly upwards. Doing this will make your eyes look slightly downwards at your screen instead of straight on. Looking downwards means that while you are using your computer, more of your eye will be covered by your eye lid and you will unconsciously blink more often. You should also position yourself about 20 inches away from your computer screen, or at arm’s length. With your screen at the proper distance, you should be able to see everything without needing to move your head too much. If you are using a laptop, you can put it on an adjustable stand so it sits at the proper height. You should also try to always sit up straight, with your arms and legs at a 90 degree angle. 

Your eyes are very important since you use them for just about any and every activity you do on a daily basis. You can take care of your eyes in more ways than changing how you use technology. A couple ways you can are eating right, living a healthy lifestyle, and getting your annual checkups. Some doctors also encourage patients to eat raw carrots because they contain vitamin A which is helpful for your eye site. Researchers even believe that drinking red wine can help protect your eyes along with other things such as your hear. Remember to take breaks when using technology, whether it’s watching TV, using the computer, or even using your smart phone. By making these small changes, you can protect your eyes from technology on a daily basis.

Nicky Elkins is a freelance writer from Pensacola, Florida. She attended the University of West Florida and earned her Graduate degree in Creative Writing. Nicky now uses her gift for writing and her love of all things technology to help others enjoy and understand consumer electronics, social media, and the coolest new gadgets.

General Safety Issues

SAFETY RULES EVERY PARENT SHOULD FOLLOW (GUEST POST)

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Many parents believe they are doing all they can to keep their kids safe, but with safety recommendations and standards always changing, it can be hard to keep up with what’s safe and what’s not.  Here we’ve gathered 100 of the most important safety rules parents should follow to keep their kids safe and out of danger’s path.

In the House

While there’s no replacement for supervision, there are things you can do to decrease the number of risks that contribute to accidents and injuries in your home. Follow these rules to increase your child’s safety while at home.

    Signup for recall alerts. Stay up-to-date on child-related product recalls by subscribing to the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall alerts

    Turn the water temperature down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot water can scald children. By turning the water temperature thermostat down you can prevent scalds and burns

    Store medications properly. Store medications out of reach and sight to prevent accidental ingestions

    Use the right safety gates. While pressure mounted gates may work fine to keep kids confined to a room, they have no place at the top of stairs

    Safety proof windows. Children needlessly fall out of windows each year. Be sure to add window guards or locks to your windows to be sure your child isn’t one of them

    Choose appropriate toys. Choose age-appropriate toys to reduce the risk of injury to your child.

    Opt for a pet that is good with kids. When considering a family pet, you’ll want to be sure to select a pet whose temperament makes it kid-friendly.

    Clean toys without harsh chemicals. Clean children’s toys naturally to prevent the spread of germs and decrease risks associated with toxic cleaners.

    Store cleaners away from kids. Store toxic chemicals and cleaners out of the reach and sight of children to prevent accidental poisoning and chemical burns

    Be sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly. The proper placement of working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors can alert family members of a fire and prevent children from experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning

General Safety Issues

NEGLECTED SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

By Maree Kyle
Whether in the home or the workplace, most people believe they have a good grip on how to keep their environment safe. We all know to keep fire alarms and smoke detectors up to date and equipped with good batteries, and few of us would leave a puddle on the ground for others to slip on. However, there are some areas that tend to escape people’s attention — those that you wouldn’t see at all. Below are three “invisible” safety concerns and tips to keep safe.

The Air

Just because there’s no smoke doesn’t mean the air in your house is in the clear. Gas appliances can spring leaks that go undetected, and nudging a gas range can quickly fill your kitchen with fumes. Even more dangerous are carbon monoxide leaks, which put about 20,000 Americans in the hospital every year. Though this colorless and odorless gas is almost impossible for humans to detect, a carbon monoxide detector can alert you immediately, giving you time to get outside and clear the air. Consider installing at least one carbon monoxide detector, especially in areas with young children or the elderly, and ask a contractor about gas leak detectors for home appliances.

Dangerous Combinations

Everything in your home or office may be perfectly safe on its own, but can become a hazard when mixed with another innocuous substance. One common example is cleaning chemicals. If you bleach your sink before using a drain cleaner, you’ll have inadvertently mixed bleach with an acid, which can result in irritation to the eyes and throat, or even vomiting and trouble breathing in extreme cases. To avoid these dangers, always use cleaning chemicals separately, or use homemade natural cleansers like vinegar and baking soda on household messes.  Wearing gloves will help protect your hands and skin.

You

There are certain steps that should be taken to make sure that you, too, are accident-proof. Purchase a small, folding step ladder and keep it easily accessible. Avoid using rails, counters, furniture or shelves to get to hard-to-reach places and use the ladder instead. Wear non-slip shoes to any job that involves being on your feet and always remember to lift with your legs. Use sunscreen daily and reapply often at the beach. A little bit of prevention can keep you out of more serious accidents and is easily incorporated into your day-to-day routine.

Each step can be done relatively quickly, especially if you do it a little bit at a time. To keep up with safety, incorporate it into your spring cleaning. Once a year, check your house for loose outlet covers, rot and mold, and loose cabinet doors. Check the batteries on your smoke detectors and make sure you have a good fire escape plan, both at home and at the office. Then, make sure everyone actually knows about it. This is also a good time to get your car checked. You may even want to take a defensive driving course to stay refreshed on the rules of the road.

 

General Safety Issues

PORTABLE APPLIANCE SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN (GUEST POST)

Portable Appliances and Children – Tips to Ensure Safety 

What on earth would we ever do without our beloved household appliances? We depend on various electronic implements in every room of the house to help sustain our comfort, nourishment, health and beauty. While many appliances stay put year round, several others are transferred from room to room, as they’re needed. And this portability certainly provides substantial convenience in today’s modern homes, but with it comes a greater amount of risk—especially in households with young children. 

Kids of all ages are notoriously curious beings who frequently explore and test the boundaries of their environment by touching, grabbing, twisting, pulling and pushing almost anything within reach (just ask any parent). Because of this natural trait, children are vulnerable to the potential dangers associated with some of the following commonplace portable appliances: 

·         Climate control – fans, space heaters, humidifiers

·         Cleaning and maintenance – vacuums, irons, sewing machines

·         Health and nourishment – air purifiers, water coolers 

And some of the risk factors that accompany these appliances include: 

·         Flow of electricity

·         Temperature sensitivity

·         Sharp components

·         Sheer weight of the appliance 

While potential dangers to children do exist, parents don’t necessarily have to sacrifice owning and using portable appliances, especially since they rely on many of them to help care for their kids. Below are some safety tips that, when followed, allow children and portable appliances to coexist safely under one roof. 

1.      Place portable appliances on stable, level surfaces and out of a child’s reach, if possible. If a portable appliance, like a window air conditioner or a microwave oven, becomes a semi-permanent fixture, ensure it’s securely installed and regularly inspect the condition of its stability.

2.      Keep all electrical units and cords away from high-traffic areas where children can easily bump into or trip over them.

3.      Practice the utmost care for all power cords to avoid a child’s contact with electricity:

a.      Ensure cords and plugs are in good condition, without any exposed or frayed wires, or bent/broken prongs—replace as needed

b.      Do not run cords under rugs or carpets—concealed damage often remains unrepaired, which increases the risk of a child encountering a hazard

c.       Be sure all plugs are fully inserted into wall sockets at all times

d.      Unless it’s absolutely necessary, do not connect portable appliance power cords to extension cords—fewer places of potential exposure to electricity means fewer chances children will come into contact with it

4.      Position all portable appliances and power cords a safe distance away from water sources—and if an appliance contains water, such as a humidifier or water cooler, be sure there is no chance the water can spill onto the power source. Always unplug the unit when transferring water to or from it.

5.      Maintain at least three feet distance between any flammable materials and hot-to-the-touch appliances, such as space heaters and irons. Be extra watchful for your child’s toys and blankets.

6.      As often as humanly possible, do not leave your child alone in a room with a portable appliance, unless it’s securely located out of reach. 

Portable appliances are vastly safe for use in most households, but they can prove dangerous when in use around unattended children. If parents teach their kids simple rules right away, and perform essential safety measures, children can explore the curiosities of their home safely, and every household member can stay comfortable, nourished, healthy and beautiful. 

What are some other safety tips you’re willing to share?   How have you adapted the placement and usage of your portable appliances to ensure your young ones are safe from the threat of harm?  Please send your comments to pat@tasco-safety.com, and we will feature an article with your tips. 

 

 
Thank you, James, for this informative article.  To start off on the comments, I would say that curling irons left plugged in are very tempting to little hands. Hope we hear from some others who will add to our list. Pat
 
General Safety Issues

Dealing with Post-Exercise Pain (GUEST POST)

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I’m sure you’ve heard of the saying “no pain, no gain.” Well, one way or the other, you will always experience pain however, it doesn’t mean that you have to endure a great deal of it in order to progress much faster towards your goal. If you don’t know why you feel this pain within 24 hours of exercising, it’s due to a sensation called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Your muscle fibers get injured as a result of excessive exercising.

“Good pain” is still pain and can interfere with our everyday activities. Often times, we forget the simplest of methods in alleviating body pain before, during, and after our workout. I am no exception to this as well. Let’s remind ourselves of some of these methods shall we? 

Proper Hydration

Drinking water should come naturally for us. What most people don’t realize, however, is that you need to drink more than the usual daily recommended amount. Dehydration is a definite no-no. Personally, I drink around 500-700ml. of water for every hour of exercise / workout that I do daily. A simple indication that you are well-hydrated after you exercise is if your urine, within a few hours after your workout, is light yellow or clear. What about drinking sports drinks you ask? Well, at times, I drink both actually but if you ask me which is better, that’s another topic for another time. 

“Refuel” with Nutrients

Yet another commonly ignored method in reducing muscle pain and soreness. After your workout, it is important to replenish your energy with enough carbohydrate energy in preparation for your next workout. You need to ingest enough protein in order to repair your muscles. Try a protein shake or smoothie and/or chicken with brown rice then top it off with a piece of fruit. 

“Cool Down” after your workout

 Just as it is important to warm-up your body before subjecting it to an extreme workout, it is equally important to cool it down. You’ll want to remove inflammatory fluids in your muscles as well as sore or tight spots from the muscles you worked out. Just do some light exercises before wrapping up and then get a massage every now and then. Who doesn’t want to have a massage, right?

Apply Topical Ointments

These are just what the doctor ordered. These ointments are developed to create a cooling, pain-relieving sensation and also increase blood flow. Tiger balm and Ben-Gay are a couple of the ointments that I’ve used and would recommend. 

As mentioned earlier, if you feel pain after your workout, that’s normal. It’s the excessive pain which is troublesome. This can happen if you increased the intensity of your exercise too quickly or if your body didn’t recover properly. Just recall these simple methods that I mentioned (feel free to follow whatever else you’ve found out to be effective) and I’m sure your body will adjust to the pain in due time. 

Author Bio:

Dr. Todd Luther works at Align Integrative Health in Washington. He comes from a family of health care practitioners including a medical doctor, OB Nurse and Nurse Midwife. Practicing since 2005, Dr. Luther is confident in providing the correct diagnosis, treating your problem or referring to the correct specialist.

 

 

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE SAFETY: DON’T OVERLOOK THESE COMMONLY FORGOTTEN RISKS (GUEST POST)

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By Maire Hunter

Have you ever taken the time to consider the risks that surround you when you’re at work? Unless someone’s been paying close attention, there could be a hazard around every corner of your workplace. While you don’t want to be paranoid, you do want to be aware of the potential dangers you face, so you can take steps to avoid them. Here are some common workplace safety hazards that are often overlooked.

Gas

Gas is often an odorless hazard. Not only can it lead to a risk of fires, but it can also lead to asphyxiation risks. There are many types of hazardous gases potentially found in the modern workplace, from carbon monoxide to natural gases and even corrosive contaminates, and many cannot be detected without special detection equipment. Gas detection equipment is an essential part of keeping workers safe on the job. Simply set up the gas detector you need, calibrate it and you won’t have to worry about gas leaks endangering your employees.

Falling

That puddle of water may seem innocent enough, but an unsuspecting worker could easily slip and fall, injuring himself in the process. Workers should be taught to attend to spills quickly, whether they cause them or simply see them. Leaving spills on the floor puts everyone at risk. Other fall risks include unsafe climbing, leaning on rails and failure to use safety harnesses when working on scaffolding or ladders.

Fire

Sure, everyone in your workplace knows that fire is dangerous, but do they really know how risky it is at your specific location? Make sure that your employees know what fire hazards are affecting them at work, and what they should do in the event of a fire. A fire drill may seem like something for kids in school, but it’s a good practice to have one occasionally. You need to know that your workers know how to get out if they need to evacuate quickly.

Lifting Injuries

That box you are about to lift actually is a workplace safety hazard. Sure, it might look innocent enough, but lift it incorrectly and you’re left with a strained back or slipped disk. Proper lifting technique is an often-overlooked part of workplace safety. Always lift using the muscles in your legs, not your back. This means bending at the knee, picking up the item, and then using your leg muscles to lift yourself and the item back to a standing position. Pay attention to the weight on the box, because many boxes are heavier than they look and may require two people to lift.

Yes, the workplace can be a dangerous place if you’re not paying attention. Even an office with few serious hazards can present potential risks. So take the time to think about safety around your workplace, and don’t forget to consider these often forgotten hazards. By doing a little planning now, you can protect yourself or your workers from serious injury later. Combine safety equipment, awareness and training to keep everyone safe.

General Safety Issues

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REDUCING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE (GUEST POST)

Workplace violence is a serious social issue that can affect any place of employment anywhere in the world. While violence at the workplace is often unpredictable and there are no foolproof ways to eliminate it completely, there are ways to reduce the risks associated with workplace violence. Below you will find violence-prevention tips and ways you can help protect your workplace. 

Defining Workplace Violence 

Workplace violence is defined as any behaviors that make a workplace dangerous. Examples of workplace violence include actual violence, threats made against others or the business in general, verbal abuse, harassment of any type and any other dangerous behaviors. 

Ways to Reduce Workplace Violence Risks 

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of workplace violence is to be proactive. Employers and employees who are able to identify risky behaviors may be able to reduce the possibility of a violent workplace incident. 

Zero Tolerance Policy 

To ensure your workplace is safe for everyone, your employer should have a zero tolerance policy against any type of workplace violence. This means anyone who threatens, harasses, verbally abuses or exhibits dangerous behaviors towards others is referred to supervisors for the appropriate actions. 

Training 

All employees including supervisors should be given workplace violence training. Training supervisors and employees in identifying workplace violence can help reduce the risk of an incident occurring. 

Policies and Procedures 

Before any type of dangerous behavior is exhibited, employers should have policies and procedures set in place to deal with these type of situations. This way the employer and the employee are well aware of what to do and what to expect if this type of incident occurs. 

Be Aware 

Employees and employers need to accept reality, and understand that workplace violence is a real possibility. By accepting reality, they will be better prepared mentally to handle any type of situation they are faced with. 

Employee Assistance Programs 

Since many individuals involved with workplace violence have extreme stress or underlying mental health problems that spurred the violence, it is important for employers to offer employee assistance programs. These programs should offer employees the opportunity to seek mental health counseling or other services to deal with their underlying issues. 

Training 

In addition to the tips above, employers and employees should also receive training that includes how to handle a violent workplace incident. Since many people are often surprised by a sudden burst of violence, it is important that employees and supervisors are given the training to deal with these situations if they occur. With training, employees and supervisors may be able to handle a dangerous situation quickly and more efficiently, which could help save lives. 

Using the above workplace violence prevention tips can help you reduce workplace violence. Knowing exactly what you need to do, and whom you need to contact in a dangerous situation can have a huge impact on how the situation is handled. Stay safe at work by being aware of your surroundings and knowing exactly what to do, where to go and who to talk to if you feel threatened. 

Lynn Darsow is a security consultant. Her articles mainly deal with security at both the workplace and at home. Visit selecthomesecurity.com for more security ideas.

General Safety Issues

TEN REASONS NOT TO ALLOW YOUR CHILD RIDE HIS/HER BIKE TO SCHOOL (GUEST POST)

In today’s world, is it ever a good idea to let your child ride his bike to school alone?  There are hidden hazards lurking everywhere, and it can be tough to know how to make the right decision regarding keeping your child safe while still letting him assert his independence. By taking a look at your child’s behavior, you can make an informed decision about if he’s ready to bike ride to school on his own or if he’s not quite mature enough to take on the task.

While there are both pros and cons to allowing your child to ride his bike to school alone, here are 10 reasons that it might not be a wise choice:

  1. He is irresponsible:  You know your child better than anyone else.  If he is easily and constantly distracted and can’t remember to look both ways before crossing the street, it might not be a good idea to let him ride his bike to school by himself.
  2. He is too young: As a parent, you will have to judge when your child is old enough to ride to school on his bike alone.  If you have a very responsible child, reside in a small town with sidewalks, and live close to the school, he might be able to ride his bike when he is in elementary school. However, if you live further away from the school, you might want to wait until he is older.
  3. There is too much traffic: If you live in a city where there’s a lot of traffic on the street, riding unsupervised may not be an option.  This is especially true if there are no bike lanes or sidewalks.  Make sure your child knows to watch for traffic no matter what, even if the area you live in is not particularly busy.  Accidents can happen anywhere.
  4. He is learning disabled: There are some things that can be too dangerous for a child who has a learning disability.  Kids with ADHD, for example, can often get distracted and ride right past their turn. This can then cause them to get lost and be unable to find their way home.
  5. It’s too dangerous: Maybe you live in an area that has a lot of crime and sending your child to school on his bike simply isn’t safe.
  6. He is being bullied: When your child rides his bike to school he needs to be able to ride to school safely and arrive on time.  The same goes for after school.  If your child is being bullied, you should address the issue before allowing him to be out on his bike alone.
  7. School is too far: If the school is more than a mile or so away, then it may be too far of a ride for your child.  Only you can decide how far is too far.
  8. The weather is unpredictable: If you live in New England, you know what they say: If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.  Do you live in an area where it rains a lot or where the weather is unpredictable? How about an area that gets a lot of snow and ice?  Those things don’t really lend themselves to biking for anyone, especially a child.
  9. He is too timid: To venture out on his own requires bravery.  It doesn’t sound like riding to school should be a huge hurdle to conquer, especially if you only live a few blocks from the school, but if your child is very timid, the thought of riding alone could frighten him.
  10. He has no sense of direction: The last thing you want to have happen is for your child to get lost while biking to school.  If your child can’t find his way to and from school alone, he isn’t ready to bike there on his own.

There are several different factors that contribute to if a child is ready or not to ride his bike to school by himself. Before making the decision to let him or not, you’ll have to evaluate your child’s unique attributes, the city or town you live in, and whether or not where you live is safe enough for your child to be out and about alone.

Our thanks to Maureen Denard, of findananny.net, for this very valuable information. Pat

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE SAFETY MANAGEMENT: WAREHOUSE INSPECTION CHECKLIST FOR YOUR BUSINESS (GUEST POST)

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Adversaries of comprehensive warehouse safety programs argue that they pose too great of a demand on current employees, create a potential need for dedicated personnel, and leach off of resources needed for more imminent, tangible tasks. Seeing is believing; therefore, reactivity typically takes precedence over proactivity since well-defined tasks pose a sense of urgency. Nonetheless, such proactivity could prevent both tragic consequences to affected parties in an accident and crippling financial liabilities to a company that has neglected to enact and sustain safety protocols.  Formulating a checklist and routinely assessing compliance to established standards is a relatively effortless way to ensure that safety is paramount to your warehouse. 
 
Personal Safety
 
Proper training, visual graphics, first aid supplies and communication are paramount in ensuring that people—personnel or customers—are sufficiently advised of potential hazards. As Voltaire said, “common sense is not so common”: stating the obvious is the best way to protect others, as well as yourself.
• Clean all spills immediately upon their occurrence and/or use proper hazard cones to ward individuals away from the area. One of the most common causes of accidents results from unattended spills.
• Designate pedestrian walkways as well as areas that people are prohibited to walk, unless authorized. 
• Use appropriate signage to instruct people of the following: directions throughout a warehouse, hazard symbols, forklift traffic, gantry cranes, and requirements for moving heavy items. This list is not all-inclusive since it varies by warehouse to warehouse, but it targets common issues.
• Use proper methods for retrieving items high in warehouse racking (e.g. forklift) and do not allow persons to climb the racking. 
• Maintain accessible safety equipment (safety glasses, eye wash stations, respirators, etc.) in required areas.
• Use proper “Exit” signs and require that all persons use man doors, instead of walking under open garage doors.
 
General Safety Issues

SHARING THE ROAD SAFELY

After a fun day of shopping and visiting with close friends last week, we parted ways and headed for home.  I might mention that we were shopping in a city that we were unfamiliar with, so it’s even more important to drive with care, and watch for the other guy, too.  My dear friend left first, to head for her home town, and the rest of us were close behind going our way.  We reached the corner where we needed to turn, and there had been an accident – sirens, police, an ambulance, and then the most frightening realization, my friend walking to the crash site!

She had taken a turn to go home when a young man on a motorcycle smashed into her car.  Thankfully, he was wearing a helmet – but his bike was probably totaled, and her car sustained quite a lot of damage.  Witnesses said that he had been standing on the seat of the bike earlier, then “popping a wheelie” just before he came back down on the street, when he hit her.

It woke us all up to the fact that accidents happen so fast, and this could have ended with a much sadder outcome.  There are some tips that have been given in previous articles about motorcycle safety, but I want to repeat some of them and hope that a parent or biker will pay attention before it is too late.

From the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Share the Road Safely:

Watch the No-Zones: Never hang out in a truck’s blind spot or “no-Zone”.  These are at the front and back and on both sides of the truck.  They cannot see you when you ride in these spots, and cannot stop as fast as you can.

Always Wear a Helmet: Make sure helmets meet US DOT standards.  Check for the DOT label in your helmet.  The accident I am telling you about, the rider’s helmet was scratched where he hit the car, and the visor was completely off. 

Drive to Survive: Remember that motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road.  There is virtually no protection in a crash.  Be extra cautious, watching the signals and brake lights of other vehicles.  Don’t ride inbetween lanes in traffic or share a lane with another vehicle. You must respect the law just as other drivers.  Don’t instigate aggressive driving with other motorists.  This only increases your chance of a crash.

Check Yourself and Your Bike: Conduct a safety inspection of the bike prior to each ride, and wear protective clothing including gloves, boots, and a jacket.  Some high-visibility stickers or vest will help others see you.

Watch Your Speed:  Motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks and buses are the slowest. Watch your speed around trucks, especially in bad weather or riding at night.  If you collide with the back of a truck, your riding days will most likely be over.

For those of us driving cars, be sure to watch for signs, especially in surroundings you aren’t familiar with, and some cities should ask themselves if there is appropriate signage for visitors to navigate safely, staying with the flow of traffic in their towns?  It only took a few seconds for what could have been devastation for my friend and that young man on the bike.  Cars and motorcycles can be replaced; material things can. But my friends can’t be replaced.  Thank Goodness for Guardian Angels! Drive and ride safely!