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AJC.com > Metro > View from the cop > Archives > 2008 > July > 22

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Watch out for the M-Factor when riding on two wheels

By Lt. Steve Rose | Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 11:10 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Seems like we’re seeing more ads telling us to toss away those car keys and climb onto the 2-wheeler and off you go!

Sixty miles to the gallon and half the parking hassle! Finally, a solution to the Saudi oil hostage crisis that’s sent us out of our minds and into the bars where we boo-hoo into our import beers.

Well, before you get on that Vespa, remember there’s one big factor you need to take into account. Besides not being fun to ride in the rain, there’s the M-Factor.

Think of how many near misses you have had over the past couple of years. I have easily four or five a year. Three of them involve some moron making a left turn, all the while gabbing on the cellphone. (Hence the M-Factor.) Just about all of the motor officers I know have at least a couple of stories where they had to lay the bike down or T-boned someone who cut in front of them.

A recent article pointed out the increasing number of traffic accidents involving motorcycles both in the city and out in the burbs. I think the article was accompanied by a photo of a guy with two broken elbows. Ouch.

City traffic can be brutal and although they’re not hitting the higher speeds, well, there’s no such thing as a fender bender when you’re riding a motorcycle.

Atlanta isn’t exactly the example of stellar driving. In fact, I’m sure we’re pretty well down in the standings and you don’t have to drive too long or far to see why. If you’re going to buy that Harley or Vespa or whatever, make sure you look into a motorcycle safety course or maybe get your head examined. Not everyone needs to be on two wheels. Make sure you’re sense of defensive driving is peaking because you’re going to need all your senses to get home safely.

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