How many families do you know that have several generations of motorcycle riders on the road? I can name a few off the top of my head. Each of these generations learned how to ride on roads that have changed over time and continue to change. There are now more people on the road, bikes as well as motorcars and trucks, each vying for space on the open roads. Each of these people bring with them different driving styles. The problems associated with driving cars and aging are exponentially impacting for motorcyclists.
Think of the enthusiast that is 70 and still riding (you know who you are). They have been on the road since the 1950s. Back then there were no super highways, no traffic jams, no hybrid cars. Seatbelts weren’t required to be worn. The cars had big chrome bumpers, and the speed limits were way lower than our current 55 or 65. Even back then safety was an issue.
I had a chance to sit down with Penn Dot’s public relations person, Karen Dussinger, to talk about motorcycles and the mature rider. Karen points out that you are a “mature” driver when you hit 55 (years that is), according to AAA.
“Boomers cut their teeth on the interstates, and the 70-year-olds learned to drive on mostly country roads,” she says. “They all have different attitudes about driving. So now you have the little old lady driver driving the convertible.”
The roads have changed, the cars have changed, but has the “mature” driver changed to keep up with these innovations?
She also points out “up until the age of 80, elder drivers generally have better driving records. There will be 60 million senior drivers across the country in 20 years.”
What does this mean for those who continue to ride motorcycles?
“Families need to have an ongoing conversation with the mature driver and to look out for signs of waning ability,” Dussinger suggests.
She encourages families and elder riders to “take a refresher course, maintain a healthy lifestyle, have your blood pressure checked and be aware that medications do count towards a D.U.I.”
Currently, there is a physicians’ reporting program where the physician “has an obligation to check out people and then report them to Penn Dot.” She points out that the “challenges for the mature drivers are that in spades for the bikers.” The goal is not to randomly get people off the roads but to keep the roads safe for everyone.
“We want to keep people on the road as long as safely possible,” she says.
She also firmly believes in the safety courses. There is a nationwide program for “mature” drivers called 55 Alive. My mother was once one of their instructors. This program is for automobile drivers, but motorcyclists can take a refresher safety course as well through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program ( www.pamsp.com). While there is no specific course for mature riders, this program offers a choice of basic or experienced riders’ courses. I noticed this year that there is also a note on the Web site that states “Students are permitted to use their own scooter during the course. Check the BRC FAQ for scooter requirements.” The odometer graphic shows that the program has instructed 357,646 riders since 1985.
These courses are wonderful and taught by experienced instructors. I’d recommend one even if you’ve just gotten a new bike or especially if you haven’t ridden in a few years. This last rider is the one that Karen mentions that would benefit greatly from the refresher.
“The laws have changed, giving you that manual again to refresh yourself,” she says. She also points out that “the volume of trucks has increased, as has the number of tailgaters and aggressive drivers.” She reminds drivers to be courteous to motorcycle riders.
Some other really good advice from Karen was that we all have to understand the signs of aging drivers. Which means that even if grandpa or dad is still good with driving in the car, he may not do so well when maneuvering on a motorcycle. There are issues with balance.
“Older drivers have other physical challenges,” Karen reminds me. “If you don’t have a car around you when you’re talking about crashes, something that is moderate in a younger rider will me more serious or even fatal in an elder driver.”
You can check out your “rider perception challenge” on the PMSP page; it’s fun, and you might learn something about your own perception.
We all recognize that riding is freedom and gives us a sense of independence. So go on get out there and ride, but be safe, and if you need to, take a safety course.
w
| Tweet | Follow @wkdr |
|
|
