First things first…

by Bill Kingsley

All ABATE of Wisconsin insurance coverage is still completely up to date.

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

Committee Chairs, District Directors and Regions Reps – Please be sure to plan for your appropriate raffle/event licensing – especially while you are preparing your 2022 budgets. If you are in doubt of an insurance of license requirement, please contact me.

Also, please be aware that an Incident Report will need to be completed 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.

Region 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 2

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. Last month I presented Tips 1-12. This month are Tips 13-21.

This is the second of the two-part article “21 Motorcycle Safety Tips to Navigate Road Construction – Part 2” Tips 13-21

Grooved pavement

Riding on grooved pavement can make you feel as though the motorcycle wants to wander all over the place. Don’t try to fight it—instead, maintain a moderate hold and use gentle control. Watch the surface ahead, as you can expect to encounter debris, broken pavement, and potholes.

Uneven pavement

New pavement is typically applied one lane at a time. This can present you with a freshly paved lane several inches above the adjacent grooved lane, creating sharp drop-offs and edge traps for your tires. Approach these uneven height transitions at the highest angle possible.

Raised sewer covers and storm drains

When old pavement is removed, covers and drains can sit several inches higher than the road surface. Because multi-wheeled vehicles aren’t as affected by these hazards, they may not swerve to avoid them. Increase your following distance, actively scan for covers and drains, and look for pathways around them.

Pooled water

Standing water can hide a range of hazards, from deep potholes to pieces of rebar. Increase your following distance so you can spot and avoid pooled water. Falling rain, meanwhile, can form a line of standing water, causing you to hydroplane. If possible, find alternate routes to avoid riding through construction zones in rain.

New paint and highway markings

Try to avoid riding across new, large road markings—especially during and following rain—because they’re often slippery. Stopping or braking over them could lock up your tires. Additionally, some high-visibility lane-marking paints include reflective glass balls that can be spilled during the painting process. Be aware that riding over these tiny glass balls can be like riding on ice—take caution.

Staying safe near other drivers

Road construction zones can cause some drivers and riders to become impatient, frustrated, confused, or distracted. While you can’t control how other drivers respond to road work and delays, you can reduce your risk.

Lane reductions and merging zones

Merging lanes can be confusing to some drivers and bring out the worst behavior in others as the rate of travel rapidly reduces to a crawl. Actively choose your position in the flow of traffic so you can see several vehicles in front of you and try your best to avoid seemingly distracted drivers.

Managing distracted drivers

From phones to passengers, drivers face plenty of distractions before they even enter construction zones. As you approach work zones, watch for the telltale signs—erratic speed, weaving, and drivers with eyes anywhere but the road. If you can, merge between two attentive drivers, stay visible, and frequently scan your rearview mirrors as you exit the construction zone.

Safe following distances

While riding in congested traffic through a construction zone, it can be challenging to maintain the standard two-second following distance. Do what you can and keep an eye out for escape options in case of sudden stops.

Tailgaters

As you try to maintain a safe following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, you may find that the driver behind you is now tailgating you. Try using your four-way flashers to remind the driver to give you a little space. If that doesn’t work, or if the driver is making gestures or acting aggressively, try to change lanes and let them pass.

Escape strategies

Scanning your surroundings for potential escape routes can help you avoid hitting the vehicle in front of you—or being rear-ended—in the event of a sudden stop. If your options are limited and you’re concerned by the drivers around you, consider exiting the road at the next opportunity and looking for an alternate route. It’s inconvenient, but it’s better than being in an accident.

Conclusion

No one enjoys riding through construction zones. But with experience and situational awareness, you can reduce your accident risks in these areas. Develop your skills, seek out knowledge, always ride sober, and watch the drivers around you.

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. You are welcome to submit a topic or article for use – this newsletter article is for us.

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