From trike to bike, make safety a longterm family experience
Often times when I respond to vehicle crashes and see the damages and injuries incurred I ask myself if there is not something we could be doing to help reduce the amount of crashes that are occurring especially when it comes to motorcycles.
We have seen an increase in motorcycle crashes recently and one has to ask if the riders were prepared for the road. Not all riders are getting their proper endorsements nor are they taking motorcycle rider courses which are offered throughout the State.
When your child was small and started to learn to ride it was usually a tricycle. From there you moved up to a two wheel with training wheels and then a two wheeler. During this time, your child may have skinned a knee or elbow but you were there with them to comfort them and help build their confidence to ride again.
In later years they may have decided to ride a dirt bike or scooter and you were there again to guide and advise them. Now they want to ride on the public roads and are looking for a motorcycle that appeals to them.
This is a big decision. Do they have their learner’s permit or motorcycle endorsement? Have they attended a rider’s safety course? As a parent these are just a few of the questions you should be asking.
Help them to become the best and safest motorcyclists that they can. If you ride yourself, guide them along so that both you and your child will feel confident in his or her ability to operate the motorcycle safely on the roadway. Remind them to be courteous to other drivers and riders and to always be aware of their surroundings.
From trike to bike, motorcycle safety is a family affair.
— Sgt. Scott McDaniel is with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and writes regular public safety columns. He can be reached at smcdaniel@carson.org