MMR v2004PPT

Motorcycling for The Mature RiderVersion 2003byHampton and Sharon ConwayNortheast Region Couple of the Year 2003Chapter Directors, Maryland Chapter B : Motorcycling for The Mature Rider Version 2003 by Hampton and Sharon Conway Northeast Region Couple of the Year 2003 Chapter Directors, Maryland Chapter B


Goals and Objectives : Goals and Objectives


Goals and Objectives : Goals and Objectives To provide a refresher for riding skills and techniques. To enhance the Co-Rider’s involvement in the riding experience To provide current theory on aging. Consult your physician before modifying your exercise or treatment program GWRRA does not endorse any products or services.


Compensating for Age : Compensating for Age Have regular medical and vision checkups. Keep an appropriate distance from the vehicle ahead. Avoid riding in stressful traffic situations. Limit your riding to familiar areas. Don’t ride when emotionally upset or not feeling well. Take medication as prescribed. Avoid riding after surgery unless cleared to do so. Avoid prolonged hours of riding. Have a co-rider with you to help navigate. Ride in a small group or with a buddy.


Physical Changes : Physical Changes


Compensating for Vision Changes : Compensating for Vision Changes Recovery from glare slows Ability to focus close-up decreases Ability to focus between near and far decreases Pupil reaction time decreases Eye lens thickens Light reaching the back of the eye decreases. Peripheral Vision diminishes with age Depth Perception diminishes with age We experience a decline in vision as our eyes age.


“Night Rider” Safety Tips : 'Night Rider' Safety Tips Avoid riding at night. Don’t let dusk catch you with your tinted goggles or face shield still in place. Remove tinted helmet face shields for night riding and replace with a clear one. Turn illumination up on the instrument panel. Keep headlights properly adjusted. Look to the lower right side of the road when there is oncoming traffic. Position outside mirrors so the headlights of following cars are not directed in your eyes.


Compensating for Hearing Loss : Compensating for Hearing Loss


Accommodating Changes in Mobility : Accommodating Changes in Mobility Diminished strength, coordination and flexibility can have a major impact on our ability to control a motorcycle safely. Exercise and stress management can improve riding by strengthening concentration and maintaining flexibility of joints and muscles. Back and neck pain might hinder you from adequately checking for clearance before merging and changing lanes.


Compensating for Declining Mobility : Compensating for Declining Mobility Begin an exercise program Relax before and after extended rides Consult your physician before self medicating Consult a geriatric specialist after 60 'Use it or loose it!' Accessorize for Safety Warm up before riding. Head Rotation Exercise Trunk Rotation Exercise Side Bending Exercise


Aching Feet : Aching Feet


A Good Night’s Sleep : A Good Night’s Sleep The best medication for a safe ride is a good night’s sleep! Do not ride when sleepy or tired Pace your ride Plan a rest stop, minimally, every two hours Exercise your neck, shoulders and muscles at each stop Don’t rely on coffee or stimulants to stay alert. Don’t overeat.


Medication and Safe Riding : Medication and Safe Riding Be free of medicinal harmful effects before riding. Take only YOUR prescribed medication. Know your reaction(s) to medication. Never mix over-the-counter and prescrip-tion medications Know how your medication interacts with other medication, citrus juices and food. Riding under the influence of prescribed or over-the-counter medication can be even more dangerous than riding under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.


Alcohol Consumption : Alcohol Consumption If you really have a taste for a brewsky, try a non-alcoholic alternative. As the body ages, its ability to break down alcohol slows. Alcohol takes longer to metabolize in the body of an older person. The effects of alcohol are more intense in the older person than in a younger person.


Aggressive Drivers : Aggressive Drivers 'Who let the dogs out!!??' Aggressive Driving A traffic offense or combination of offenses such as following too closely, speeding, unsafe lane changes, and other forms of negligent or inconsiderate driving. Road Rage A criminal offense. This occurs when a driver overreacts to an incident and responds with some type of violence. The violent acts may range from a physical confrontation to an assault with a motor vehicle or possibly a weapon.


Rider Guidance : Rider Guidance


Do You Know the Traffic Signs by Shape? : Do You Know the Traffic Signs by Shape? Generally for guide signs (for historical sites, parks, etc.) Railroad advance warning sign Warning of no passing zone Used only for stop signs School advance warning andamp; crossing sign Used only to warn of possible hazards on roadway Generally used to designate speed limit Exclusively for yield signs Route marker signs Slow Moving Vehicle


Do You Know Traffic Signs by Color? : Do You Know Traffic Signs by Color? We should be able to recognize traffic signs by their color even before the print can be read. Knowing what the colors mean can give the rider extra response time to unexpected situations. Write the letter of the description next to the correct color above. A. Handicapped Space andamp; Hospitals E. General Warning B. Construction Area Warning F. Directional info C. Stop G. Posted Speed Limit D. Public recreation and scenic area


Traffic & Lane Signals : Traffic andamp; Lane Signals Traffic signals do not control cars! U-Turn You may ride in this lane. X X Never ride in a lane under a red 'X' signal. A steady yellow 'X' signal means the rider should move out of the lane as soon and as safely as possible.


Intersections : Intersections 'Don’t make a dangerous left turn. Utilize a series of right turns instead, and go around the block.' The number one traffic violation committed by vehicle operators 50 and over is failure to observe right-of-way. The number two traffic violation committed by vehicle operators 50 and over is improper left turns.


Two Wheel Alternatives : Two Wheel Alternatives


Motorcycle Modifications : Motorcycle Modifications Add Years to Your Safe Riding Experience Consider 2-Wheel Alternatives


Benefits of Towing : Benefits of Towing Ride despite physical limitations Allow rider to extend riding into later senior years Riding range extended despite medication side-effects Extend rider time and range Allow extended season travel in cold or hot weather


Proper Riding Apparel : Proper Riding Apparel Lower metabolism and/or poor circulation can cause hypothermia, especially in the hands and feet Lower temperatures can lower reaction times Joint and muscle discomfort can intensify with lower temps Wear multiple layers of warm clothing Heated gloves, socks, jackets andamp; pants offer more uniform cold weather riding protection at a price Cold weather riding effects are intensified for Senior Motorcyclists


Health Conscience Riding : Health Conscience Riding


Mature Riders Make Great Friends : Mature Riders Make Great Friends