Road safety: Biker friends in Saint-Martin, be careful on the road!

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Every year in Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy, there are on average 7 young people between the ages of 14 and 24 who lose their lives on a motorcycle.

Smaller and often placed in blind spots, a motorcycle is always less visible than a car. Other users are surprised to see a two-wheeler appear at a crossroads, between lines or in a bend. Disrespectful behavior from others and an unconscious attitude on the road (speed, acrobatics, inadvertent overtaking, etc.) means that the driver does not have the necessary maturity to use a motorcycle. Driving on two wheels implies showing good citizenship, for oneself as well as for those close to them.

What does the regulation say?

Your vehicle must be equipped with:

• One or two dipped beam headlights at the front;

• One or two brake lights and a red reflector at the rear;

• One or two position and main beam lights;

• Direction indicators;

• Rear license plate lighting.

 The driver's equipment:

• Wear in priority clear, fluorescent, visible etc. Even if motorcycle equipment is often offered in black, there are models of clear or fluorescent jackets. In the same way for helmets, do not hesitate to choose a model that is visible: all manufacturers now offer it in their range.

• If your equipment does not have reflective bands, do not hesitate to add more and use reflective armbands.

• Important, wearing a high visibility vest is compulsory in an emergency. As soon as the moped or motorcyclist gets out of his vehicle, he must put it on, as motorists do. You must therefore always have one: in the location of the toolbox, in your top case or bag or in a pocket of your jacket and put it on as quickly as possible in the event of an accident or emergency stop. .

• Don't forget your passenger. In order to be clearly visible to other drivers, it is important to equip your passenger with reflective strips or a reflective vest. Indeed, by being behind you, the passenger can make your own retro-reflective elements invisible.

 Motorcycle equipment:

Light colors are recommended for the motorcycle. The color catches the eye of other users who will be more likely to see you.

Another important aspect: the fires. Remember that you must have your low beam headlights on day and night.

In addition to the mandatory headlight, it is advisable to add fog lights, which are very useful when visibility decreases, especially due to the weather.

Check that your lights are approved (art. R313-1 et seq.) And regularly check that they are clean and that they work correctly.

 THE IMPORTANCE OF FLASHING

The failure of a flashing light on a motorized two-wheeler is a real danger. The verification of their proper functioning is therefore to be included in its daily check-up. Do not hesitate to warn any user of a motorized two-wheeler who is in this situation of breakdown: this would be just as much to act for his safety as for yours, any change of direction being a source of danger on the road.

Please note: In a majority of accidents involving a biker and a third party, the driver of the opposing vehicle declares: “I did not see the motorcycle”.

The attitude on the road: This lack of detection is noted in almost two thirds of accidents involving a car and a motorized two-wheeler.

On the road :

• drive in the third of the lane that gives you the most visibility and safety margins;

• it is essential to establish visual contact with other drivers. If not, ALWAYS assume they haven't seen you AND, if in doubt, ALWAYS reduce your speed;

• Avoid being in blind spots of other vehicles.

THE ROAD IS NOT A CIRCUIT,  SHE SHARES.

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