Dear Editor,
Motorcycle riding season is upon us and the Red River Motorcycle Run is this Memorial Day Weekend, there will be a lot of motorcyclists sharing the roads. The New Mexico Motorcyclist Rights Organization (NMMRO) wants to promote motorcycle safety awareness. We hope to educate those who share the road with us, to look out for motorcycles, and avoid distractions and inattention, such as talking on cell phones and texting while driving. Motorcycle safety awareness is a two part. First we suggest the motorcyclist learn the correct skills to ride, become aware of the hazards of the road, and wear protective gear. Second to educate and promote awareness to those you share the road with the motorcyclist. Motorcyclist are more vulnerable than the driver in a car or truck. The driver has the protection of a steel cage. The motorcyclist has less protection creating a higher probability of greater bodily injury or death.
Advice to the motorist: Respect the motorcyclist, they have the all the privileges of any vehicle on the road. Look out for motorcycles, especially at intersections and give them a full lane width of travel. Always anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuver, obstructions such as debris. potholes etc that may be minor annoyances to passenger vehicles can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Please be aware: Drive and Ride with Care.
Annette Torrez
New Mexico Motorcyclist Rights Organization - Chairperson
