Today I saw the cleanup of what looked like a car vs. motorcycle accident at the intersection of Veteran's Drive & 9th Avenue North in St. Cloud. It's a reminder that it's time to start looking for motorcycles on the road again. None of us want to be part of what I saw today.

Emergency vehicles were blocking traffic. The bike was being lifted by a tow truck. People were consoling each other. The good news? Moving forward this kind of scene is preventable.

Like all kinds of safety, we're all responsible for the role we play on the road. Motorcyclists, car & truck drivers, and everybody else. Let's save some lives this summer.

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The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has its own outline of key messages for drivers, with an eye toward protecting one particular vulnerable party -- motorcyclists:

  • Look For Motorcyclists -- Use your eyes and mirrors to see what's around, and check the blind spots when you're changing lanes or turning at intersections. Look, and look again.
  • Focus on Driving -- Hang up the phone, put down the MP3 player, settle the passengers, and drive.
  • Use Your Turn Signals -- Signal your intentions for everyone's safety.
  • Give Two-Wheelers Some Room -- Don't tailgate or pass too closely.
  • Take Your Time -- Nothing is as important as the safety of your loved ones, yourself, and the others with whom you share the road.

All these principles can be boiled down to this paraphrase of the Golden Rule: Drive near others as you would have others drive near you.

When I'm in my car or on my bike I'll be watching for you like a hawk. All I ask is that you think about doing the same for me. Thanks in advance, and let's all have an awesome & safe summer in Minnesota ! - Pete

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