DiddysR6
Tue May 21st, 2013, 09:58 AM
A guy at work sent this to me, looks like it could have a lot of good info:
( copy from the Email I was sent )
Ted Mink is sheriff of Jefferson County. He leads the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the largest full-service sheriff's office in Colorado.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is committed to the principles of community policing through education, partnership, analysis and enforcement.
May 2013
Motorcycles have limits. Know them.
By Sheriff Ted Mink
When you earn your motorcycle endorsement the letter "M" is stamped on your driver's license right next to height, as if 'motorcycle' was just another part of your physical characteristics, or maybe a mental condition. You see, cars deceive us into thinking we're safe, and in control. The air-conditioning fans murmur a sense of tranquility. Motorcycles tell us we are small and exposed, and probably moving too fast for our own good, but that's no reason not to enjoy every minute of the ride.
In Jeffco
Since January 2011, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has responded to 44 serious injury, or fatal, motorcycle crashes. Of those:
98% were rider error
75% occurred in the foothills
70% were caused by excessive speed or failing to negotiate a turn
40% of all fatal motorcycle accidents involved unendorsed riders
14% were DUI related
In 2013, Jefferson County has already had two fatalities; one on Hwy 74 between Morrison and Evergreen, and one on Hwy 72 in Coal Creek Canyon. Hwy 74 was caused by the rider failing to negotiate a corner and the Hwy 72 accident was caused by excessive speed.
As a result, our motorcycle traffic unit is increasing their accident reduction efforts. Comprised of six highly trained deputies, the traffic unit is proactively exploring the issues and working towards solutions. They recognize that even a seasoned rider must know their limits.
Top Ten Motorcycle Safety Tips:
1. Eye contact. Never assume others see you. Always try to make eye contact with drivers who may be about to pull into your path.
2. Read 'vehicle language'. Even when drivers, cyclists and pedestrians see you approaching, they often misjudge your distance and speed. Don't rely on them.
3. Turning left. Getting hit by an oncoming vehicle while turning left is the most common type of motorcycle crash. Watch your mirrors.
4. Be cautious of hazardous road conditions. Wet roads, fluid spills, sand, gravel, highway sealant, railroad tracks, and potholes reduce traction and may cause falls.
5. Take it easy on curves. You could overshoot or cross the center line into oncoming traffic. Slow down and choose the correct lane position before entering a curve.
6. Wear a good helmet. Helmets prevent head injuries in 67% of crashes. Helmets must meet current CDOT safety standards. Avoid buying a used helmet, especially one that has been in a previous accident.
7. Be visible. Avoid blind spots and always use headlights day or night. Wear bright, reflective clothing.
8. Protective gear. Gear can provide some protection during a crash, as w
9. ell as shield you from weather and debris. Wear protective eye and face gear. Never ride in lightweight pants or shorts.
10. Keep your distance. No one likes a tailgater. Keep a safe distance between your bike and other vehicles.
11. Use both brakes. When braking use both brakes at the same time by applying them slowly and steadily.
Motorcycle Safety Community Events
Motorcycle Safety Seminar: Sergeant Dave Baldwin of the traffic unit, has coordinated several events this summer to educate the community, especially riders themselves. The first motorcycle safety seminar begins this Thursday, May 23rd at the Evergreen Fire Station #2 from 6-8 p.m. RSVP's will enter you into a drawing for motorcycle merchandise. The seminar covers motorcycle safety and awareness. Sergeant Dave Baldwin is joined by Deputy Ty Hammond, a ten year veteran of the traffic unit. Certified as a Police Motor Instructor his repertoire also includes 1st place team riding in both 2011 and 2012 at the annual Police Top Gun Competition. Stay connected for future seminars.
Stop and Talk Dates. Because the foothills present many challenges to riders (wet roads, canyons curves, sand, and gravel) even seasoned riders may benefit from proven techniques to keep the tires on the road and them off the pavement. We are also hosting 'Stop and Talk' events along many of the foothills' popular roadways. Stop by on Saturday, June 8th from 9 a.m. to noon at the intersection of South Deer Creek Canyon Road and South Turkey Creek Road. Stay tuned for future 'Stop and Talk' dates.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
As an operator of a motor vehicle we urge you to look twice and save a life. Every biker's family deserves to see them ride home safely. Look twice before switching lanes, making turns, or pulling out of a driveway. Stay on your side of the road, especially around corners. Don't follow too closely; motorcyclists may brake suddenly to maneuver around road hazards that cars need not consider. Keep your eyes on the road, and off your cell phone. Take the time to learn motorcycle awareness habits throughout the month to avoid using these four deadly words, "I didn't see him".
The monthly "Behind the Badge" column is written on or before the 20th of each month by Sheriff Ted Mink of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, in Golden, Colorado. It features information and tips for local residents regarding crime prevention, crime trends, public safety and quality-of-life issues. Please contact us with questions or comments at sheriff@jeffco.us.
View previous posts by visiting the Behind the Badge archive here.
( copy from the Email I was sent )
Ted Mink is sheriff of Jefferson County. He leads the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the largest full-service sheriff's office in Colorado.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is committed to the principles of community policing through education, partnership, analysis and enforcement.
May 2013
Motorcycles have limits. Know them.
By Sheriff Ted Mink
When you earn your motorcycle endorsement the letter "M" is stamped on your driver's license right next to height, as if 'motorcycle' was just another part of your physical characteristics, or maybe a mental condition. You see, cars deceive us into thinking we're safe, and in control. The air-conditioning fans murmur a sense of tranquility. Motorcycles tell us we are small and exposed, and probably moving too fast for our own good, but that's no reason not to enjoy every minute of the ride.
In Jeffco
Since January 2011, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has responded to 44 serious injury, or fatal, motorcycle crashes. Of those:
98% were rider error
75% occurred in the foothills
70% were caused by excessive speed or failing to negotiate a turn
40% of all fatal motorcycle accidents involved unendorsed riders
14% were DUI related
In 2013, Jefferson County has already had two fatalities; one on Hwy 74 between Morrison and Evergreen, and one on Hwy 72 in Coal Creek Canyon. Hwy 74 was caused by the rider failing to negotiate a corner and the Hwy 72 accident was caused by excessive speed.
As a result, our motorcycle traffic unit is increasing their accident reduction efforts. Comprised of six highly trained deputies, the traffic unit is proactively exploring the issues and working towards solutions. They recognize that even a seasoned rider must know their limits.
Top Ten Motorcycle Safety Tips:
1. Eye contact. Never assume others see you. Always try to make eye contact with drivers who may be about to pull into your path.
2. Read 'vehicle language'. Even when drivers, cyclists and pedestrians see you approaching, they often misjudge your distance and speed. Don't rely on them.
3. Turning left. Getting hit by an oncoming vehicle while turning left is the most common type of motorcycle crash. Watch your mirrors.
4. Be cautious of hazardous road conditions. Wet roads, fluid spills, sand, gravel, highway sealant, railroad tracks, and potholes reduce traction and may cause falls.
5. Take it easy on curves. You could overshoot or cross the center line into oncoming traffic. Slow down and choose the correct lane position before entering a curve.
6. Wear a good helmet. Helmets prevent head injuries in 67% of crashes. Helmets must meet current CDOT safety standards. Avoid buying a used helmet, especially one that has been in a previous accident.
7. Be visible. Avoid blind spots and always use headlights day or night. Wear bright, reflective clothing.
8. Protective gear. Gear can provide some protection during a crash, as w
9. ell as shield you from weather and debris. Wear protective eye and face gear. Never ride in lightweight pants or shorts.
10. Keep your distance. No one likes a tailgater. Keep a safe distance between your bike and other vehicles.
11. Use both brakes. When braking use both brakes at the same time by applying them slowly and steadily.
Motorcycle Safety Community Events
Motorcycle Safety Seminar: Sergeant Dave Baldwin of the traffic unit, has coordinated several events this summer to educate the community, especially riders themselves. The first motorcycle safety seminar begins this Thursday, May 23rd at the Evergreen Fire Station #2 from 6-8 p.m. RSVP's will enter you into a drawing for motorcycle merchandise. The seminar covers motorcycle safety and awareness. Sergeant Dave Baldwin is joined by Deputy Ty Hammond, a ten year veteran of the traffic unit. Certified as a Police Motor Instructor his repertoire also includes 1st place team riding in both 2011 and 2012 at the annual Police Top Gun Competition. Stay connected for future seminars.
Stop and Talk Dates. Because the foothills present many challenges to riders (wet roads, canyons curves, sand, and gravel) even seasoned riders may benefit from proven techniques to keep the tires on the road and them off the pavement. We are also hosting 'Stop and Talk' events along many of the foothills' popular roadways. Stop by on Saturday, June 8th from 9 a.m. to noon at the intersection of South Deer Creek Canyon Road and South Turkey Creek Road. Stay tuned for future 'Stop and Talk' dates.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
As an operator of a motor vehicle we urge you to look twice and save a life. Every biker's family deserves to see them ride home safely. Look twice before switching lanes, making turns, or pulling out of a driveway. Stay on your side of the road, especially around corners. Don't follow too closely; motorcyclists may brake suddenly to maneuver around road hazards that cars need not consider. Keep your eyes on the road, and off your cell phone. Take the time to learn motorcycle awareness habits throughout the month to avoid using these four deadly words, "I didn't see him".
The monthly "Behind the Badge" column is written on or before the 20th of each month by Sheriff Ted Mink of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, in Golden, Colorado. It features information and tips for local residents regarding crime prevention, crime trends, public safety and quality-of-life issues. Please contact us with questions or comments at sheriff@jeffco.us.
View previous posts by visiting the Behind the Badge archive here.