First things first…

by Bill Kingsley

All ABATE of Wisconsin insurance coverage is still completely up to date. Wahoo! I can ride my motorcycle more!

Insurance –There should not be any additional insurance needs for remainder of the year and early 2022 – unless a special event is to occur.

Regional Reps – Please be sure to plan for your appropriate raffle/event licensing. Also, please be aware that an Incident Report will need to be complete in the event of an injury or damage to property at an ABATE event in your region. Consult your Red Book for the form and details that need to be included. Please reach out to me for any questions on this.

ZOOM Video & Chat Webcasting – ZOOM has great potential for ABATE. ZOOM can be used for smaller meetings (regional, committee, remote locations) to larger statewide meetings and events. Some of the benefits are; more member inclusion, no limits on any meeting you choose to attend, regional meetings can either be in-person, virtual or both, full interaction, the list is endless… Think about the possibility of attending the monthly BOD meeting from the comfort of your home or get with other ABATE Brothers and Sisters to tune in together.

Regional Reps and District Directors are asked to start incorporating these ZOOM meeting into their regular meeting formats. We are going to start by crawling with Zoom before we try walk and run. Please check it out and stay open minded to how we can all benefit by using ZOOM. Please contact your ABATE rep or me for assistance.

This is a great low cost, easy to use software program that will allow virtually any of us to attend any ABATE of WI meeting using our mobile or computing devices.

Here is a previously published newsletter article from Jim Moeckler. Jim is an ABATE member and is our former Business Agent. Jim was good enough to share this timely article.

21 Motorcycle Safety Tips to Navigate Road Construction – Part 1

As a motorcycle rider, you’re well aware that riding season often corresponds with peak road construction work. Unfortunately, riding through construction zones introduces a range of safety risks. Learning to safely navigate road construction takes experience, knowledge, and situational awareness. This article contains 21 safety tips you can implement as you navigate road construction zones. Presented this month are Tips 1-12. Next month will have Tips 13-21.

Types of Road Construction

Road construction zones can vary from small work areas to massive interstate refurbishment projects. Recognize the hazards of each type, and plan accordingly.

1. Road Construction On Multi-Lane Roads

As you approach large highway construction zones, you’ll have plenty of warning for closed lanes ahead. Pick your spot in the flow of traffic as you merge so you can see ahead of the vehicle in front of you. As you enter the work zone, slow down and increase your following distance. Watch for workers, trucks, and displaced cones as you ride.

2. Road Construction On Rural Roads

On roads with single lanes in each direction, traffic needs to pass through the work area in an alternating fashion—which makes distracted drivers particularly dangerous. Watch your mirrors and identify an escape route to help avoid being rear-ended.

3. Mowing Operations

Mowers and workers can enter the road suddenly in these areas. Slow down and increase following distances so you can spot and avoid road debris. Use caution when passing mowers—watch for oncoming traffic and the movements of the mower. Expect road debris for several miles in either direction of the mowing operation.

4. Repaving

Scan for uneven lanes and roadside hazards while keeping track of the traffic around you. Watch for construction vehicles, as repaving often involves several trucks entering and exiting the work area.

Construction Zone Sections

5. Large-scale highway construction projects have well-defined traffic control structures and are divided into several distinct functional sections.
6. The Advance Warning Area

In this area, you’re alerted that construction is ahead. Observe the traffic around you so you can choose where to merge.

7. The Transition Area

This is the zone where you need to merge. Reduce your speed and watch your mirrors for drivers trying to cut to the front of the line. Also, start looking for escape routes—if traffic stops suddenly, you don’t want to be rear-ended.

8. The Buffer Area

This area before the actual construction work offers protection for workers and is often used as a staging area for equipment and materials. Maintain your front-and-rear space cushion while watching for trucks entering or leaving the staging area, and stay alert for slowing or stopping traffic ahead of you.

9. The Activity Area

This is the actual work area. Watch for workers, equipment, and surface hazards. Keep a keen eye on traffic flow ahead and watch your mirrors—things can change rapidly in this zone, and drivers can get distracted or become startled by the construction work.

10. The Termination Area

This area marks the end of the work zone and the resumption of normal traffic lanes. Drivers can be unpredictable as they leave the work zone. Just like race drivers after a yellow flag turns green, they may jockey for the lead to make up for lost time. You can also encounter vehicles on the shoulder, the result of overheating in slow traffic or damage sustained in the construction zone.

11. Surface Hazards

While road construction ultimately provides us with smooth pavement for riding, the construction process itself temporarily creates rough, hazard-strewn roadways. Here are some of the common surface hazards you can expect to encounter.

12. Loose Gravel and Debris

Fresh gravel meant for a construction site can find its way onto the road, along with debris from old road surfaces and concrete. When you see debris on the road, don’t focus on the debris—focus on the clear pathway through it. The tires on cars and trucks ahead of you will throw the debris aside; this usually creates two clear paths for you. Just increase your following distance so you aren’t struck by flying debris.

Be sure to check out next month’s article for Part 2.

If you have motorcycle insurance questions you can reach Jim at 414-540-9101 / jim@barandshieldinsurance.com / www.barandshieldinsurance.com

I will be posting pertinent information in my newsletters for the members (at all levels of participation) to use and become more knowledgeable of the behind the scenes details. Sometimes there may not be much news to report, however, I will try to find something timely and of interest. Contact me if you have a topic you would like to see covered.

We are always looking to reduce our costs and spend our Members money wiser while maintaining necessary insurance and licensing coverage while serving our Membership. Suggestions are always welcome!

Should you have any questions regarding Insurance or Licensing (Raffles, fundraiser, etc.) please contact me. My info is listing towards the end of this newsletter. I may not have the answer, but I will get you the answer.

See you at the next Big One!

Bill