On April 29th, 2018 at approximately 7:30 pm Jayme Merkle of Plainview spotted a car in the Walmart South parking lot with this bumper sticker on it and took a photo.
I spoke with Jayme and she told me: "My dad and many other family, friends ride motorcycles. That's why when I saw the bumper sticker it really hit home to for me. Knowing that many of my loved ones are on the road with people like that is alarming to me. Whether or not it was the owner of the vehicle who wrote it, or someone who vandalized it..it still says what it says. And whomever that person is, is still out on the roads with that thought process. This is never something to be joked about. I hope this spreads more awareness. " I could not have said it better myself.
We have blurred the license tag of the vehicle as to not be a conduit for violence or retaliation. This article is to educate and start a real conversation about safety on our roads for all drivers.
According to a press release from the Minnesota Department of Public safety: "The first motorcycle fatality happened April 12 in Prior Lake when a pick-up truck turned in front of a motorcycle on Highway 13, according to Minnesota State Patrol."
Here are some safety tips for both drivers and riders from The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Safety Center:
Motorists
- Watch for motorcycles. Due to their smaller size their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.
- Always look twice before entering a roadway or changing lanes.
- Give riders room and check blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn.
- Pay attention and drive at safe speeds.
Riders:
- Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding and keeping your speed in check.
- Wear the gear. Motorcyclists are highly encouraged to wear a DOT-approved helmet and brightly colored protective gear for visibility and protection.
- Don’t drink and ride. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities involve impaired riders.
- Take a training course. Training is underway at most MMSC training sites. Visit motorcyclesafety.org for information.
With that in mind let's take care of one another.