I used to really enjoy riding a motorcycle. It was a great feeling of freedom. The feel of the sun on your skin and the wind in your face is hard to describe. The problem with riding a motorcycle? There are too many idiot drivers who do not respect the bikers rights to the road. With the cellphone and texting and other distractions I just felt very unsafe on my bike. So I gave it up.

There is some good news to report on the mortality rates of motorcycle riders in our state. The number of fatal crashes showed a 7% drop compared to last year. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reported that 80 riders lost their lives in motorcycle crashes last year. That number is still too high if you ask me.

Ken Trull is Deputy Commissioner of The L.H.S.C. and he explained the obvious reasons why bikers are at risk on the roadway to the Louisiana Radio Network.

"We see that 18-wheeler and we see that big pick-up truck, but sometimes it's hard to see a motorcycle, so it's really important to be aware of them,"

Still we can't pin the fault for these crashes solely on other motorist. The motorcycle rider needs to take care of his or her own business before saddling up to ride. Helmets are a great idea. They do save lives. Also understanding the rules of the road and how to make yourself more visible to other motorist is a key as well.

All riders should take a safety course, even if they have been riding for decades. That's my opinion by the way. Even if you don't learn anything more about how to ride safely, you'll learn more about why other motorists are complete nimrods and that could save your life.

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