By Rhonda Furby

The warmer weather brings out the motorcycles. Drivers, please be aware of motorcycles, they cannot stop as quickly as you and they have no protection from the asphalt.

I have to admit I have been negligent myself until August of 2016 when I acquired my first motorcycle for my 45th birthday.

I learned to ride at 17-years-old, but have never owned my own bike until now.

Here are a few things to be mindful of when a bike is behind you.

1. Give them plenty of warning when you are turning.

2. Refrain from cleaning your windshield. The water gets on a motorcycle rider’s windshield and smears making it hard to see.

3. Refrain from running off of the road because it sends debris into the air, which is painful and could cause the biker to lose control and have an accident.

4. If you can at all, please move over and allow the biker to pass. If the biker cannot see the road, there could be debris in the road that could cause the biker to lose control and crash.

5. If you are unable to move over to let the bike pass, at the very least ride to the opposite side of the lane to allow the biker to see the road ahead. If there is debris in the road, the operator will be able to see it and avoid it.

6. If you see a group of bikers, please do not try to get in between them, usually only the lead guy knows the destination.

Here are some tips for the bikers.

1. It is of utmost importance for you to be extremely alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.

2. When you are traveling in traffic, know what is going on 10 cars ahead of you if possible.

3. It is like a game of chess, you have to know what the next move is several cars in front of you. The only difference is that it’s not a game and your life depends on how well you pay attention.

4. If you are about to make a turn, make sure the cars behind you and the cars in oncoming traffic see you.

5. If you are on a road where there is not much traffic, be constantly alert to traffic pulling onto the highway in front of you.

6. Be aware of animals in and near the road, especially for wildlife.

7. Don’t let your guard down, not even for one second, because that’s all it takes to make a mistake and end your life.

If taking a spill doesn’t kill you, you will still be injured. Just pay attention and don’t take that chance.