Motorcycle safety awareness for the summer

MARION, Ill. (KBSI) – With the summer season getting into full swing, more motorcycles are on the roads.

That has authorities urging motorcyclists and drivers alike to pay extra attention while out and about.

The warning has extra urgency after a Perryville man died in a motorcycle crash in Perry County Sunday evening. David Rick Beck, 60, was driving a 2008 Harley Davidson Heritage, when he traveled off the right side of the road and the undercarriage struck the ground and the motorcycle overturned, ejecting Beck.

While it may be good for the soul, the body, and mental health, what most motorcyclists will tell you is that the roads are often times a dangerous place to be.

Black Diamond Harley Davidson in Marion, Illinois gives tips for safe driving, and why it is important to watch for motorcyclists.

“Just you know, being aware, always be aware of your surroundings, being aware of what’s going on around you,” said Tony Beyer, general manager for Black Diamond Harley Davidson.

A lot of motorcyclists will tell you to dress for the slide and not for the ride when it comes to slick roads with loose gravel or even freshly cut grass.

“I recommend full face helmet, protective jacket, long pants, preferably protective leg wear, foot wear is important, not riding in flip flops, closed toes, boots are best this time of year,” said Beyer.

Shad Zimbro, co-owner of Black Diamond Harley Davidson, encourages people to brush their lawn shavings off of the roads, as this can cause issues for drivers as well.

“It reflects just like water or ice out on the roads, when you’re on a motorcycle going around a curve or anything so please keep the grass shavings off the roads,” said Zimbro

A big danger to everyone on the road is distracted driving, including drivers who may be on their cell phones, eating, or simply not paying attention.

“Just be safe out there and just ya know, car drivers, be aware of motorcycles and help us stay safe too.”