For its first several years, we saw Lincoln’s Mazda 6-based Zephyr/MKZ as little more than the cheapest way into Ford’s most prestigious American brand. With a milquetoast powertrain and a softened suspension that took much of the fun out of the innately sharp mid-size sedan platform, the MKZ also spawned the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and a few crossovers.

For 2010, however, extensive changes have turned the MKZ into a considerably more appealing proposition. Alterations to the styling, transmission, and especially the interior could render it—at least until the upmarket MKS gets a power injection—the most appealing car in Lincoln’s lineup.

First the obvious: the MKZ looks no less than 6000 times better than before. The deep twin-port grille, high-set headlamps, chamfered hood, and chrome detailing around the lower fascia reflect a slightly more reverent incarnation of the sexy MKR concept car than what’s found on the MKS. In back, horizontal LED taillamps emphasize the vehicle’s width and are far more distinctive than those of both the outgoing model and the MKS. A new Sport package brings darkened headlamps, grille slats, and 18-inch chrome wheels. Also, various Lincoln stars on each side shine with newfound bravado.

The MKZ’s interior is virtually unrecognizable next to last year’s model. Soft-touch materials abound, and the electroluminescent instruments use a sexy, thin font to convey their tidbits of information. New for the MKZ is Ford’s Sync system, a multimedia interface developed by Microsoft. But the best part of the interior is a tie between the use of better real materials (i.e. real wood and aluminum trim) and the fitment of glove-soft Bridge of Weir leather on the seating surfaces.

The styling enhancements go a long way to mask the previous-gen Mazda 6 underneath, but we’ll have to wait to see to what extent the dynamics have changed. Lincoln’s ride and handling balance is traditionally set between numb and comatose, so the news that the aforementioned Sport package also brings stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars is exciting. Unfortunately, Lincoln did confirm that the MKZ will not be made available with the hot, upcoming EcoBoost turbocharged V-6 that is expected to deliver 340 horsepower under the hood of the bigger MKS. But the good news is that Ford’s ubiquitous 3.5-liter V-6, which makes 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque in the MKZ, comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control, and may still be paired with all-wheel drive. Incidentally, Lincoln also claims to have tuned the engine note for more pleasant full-throttle noise and a distinct lack of such when off-throttle. Zero to 60 mph is said to take about seven seconds, making it six tenths quicker than the 2009.

The MKZ also debuts Ford’s cool new Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which now includes Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) that uses the rear cameras to detect cross traffic within 65 feet when reversing out of tight parking spots. It will be part of an option package, though we won’t know how much it—or the MKZ, for that matter—will cost until closer to its early 2009 on-sale date.

Though we haven’t driven the new MKZ yet, we have driven the larger, Volvo S80-based MKS and came out none too impressed. We have somewhat higher expectations for the MKZ and look forward to seeing how close Lincoln comes to fulfilling them.

You have decided you want a new car, but your last experience buying a car was not so good because of the huge burden financing the purchase was. Now you need a loan but do not want to be caught in a bad deal again. You do not need to worry, buying a new car and getting a good deal on a car loan is possible if you follow these easy steps and you pay attention to the tips we provide in this article.

Few cars are bought fully on cash, most people have to use some sort of finance in order to get all the money needed to buy a car. The most common financial products used for this purpose are personal car loans and financial schemes offered by car dealerships. The first thing you need to understand if you want to save money on your purchase is that car dealers are not loan specialist and they can not provide you with a competitive loan. Moreover they work in association with certain financial institutions and they receive a share of the profits. The financial institution will most certainly charge you for that cost and you will end up paying a lot more.

Personal Car Loans

When requesting a loan, what you need to be aware of is that the lending industry is a buyer’s market which means that lenders will be competing to get clients and thus, you need to shop around to get the best loan offer available. Do not be afraid to bargain with lenders, if you get a better offer let the others know so they can improve theirs and so on. You might end up paying far less than you thought.

The easiest way to compare loan offers is to take note of the APRs and compare them in order to see which one is the lower. However, the APR is not the only thing you need to compare. There are some fees and costs not included in the APR, beware of these as they can greatly increase the overall cost of the loan. Watch for prepaying penalty fees, closing costs, and any other loan term that may affect you.

The best place to look around for car loan lenders is the internet. You will find many lenders dealing with car loans. There are lenders willing to approve car loans for people with bad credit, no credit or even bankruptcy. You need to request loan quotes from them and make sure they will not pull your credit report till you are certain to get approved. If you are unsure whether you will meet their requirements or not, do not authorize them to check your credit history because too many credit checks or declines can affect your credit score negatively.

Raise Your Credit Score

It is important to have a good credit score since a good credit score equals to lower interest rates. If you are about to finish paying an outstanding loan and you have paid the installments on time, it is better if you just wait to cancel it completely before applying for your car loan. This will increase your credit score substantially.

Do not pay late and never miss payments. Prepay any small loan you may have as this will increase your credit score. Too much outstanding credit, even if not used, affects your credit score. So, you should close store cards accounts and credit card accounts you do not use. Bear in mind though, that you should not do so with all the accounts at the same time as this might be misinterpreted.

Make A Down Payment

Finally, another great way for saving money by getting a better deal on a car loan is to put aside as much cash as possible and make a down payment. This will greatly reduce the interest rate you will have to pay for financing and thus, you will save thousands of dollars over the whole life of the loan. Down payments show the lender you have the capacity to save money and that you will be able to repay the loan. Thus, the risk for the lender is greatly reduced and the interest offered will be substantially lower.

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Space efficiency raised to the third power.

Two generations of the Nissan Cube have been sold in Japan since 1998, and now it’s our turn to get in on the fun with this third-gen car, which debuts at the L.A. auto show. Yes, we’re glad that the nameplate is headed for America—we’ve been especially jonesing since we drove the last-gen Cube—but now that it’s here, we’re a little disappointed in the styling; it’s not as pleasing to our eyes as the previous Japan-only version.

Sure, all of the funky features are there—including the wraparound right-rear window; the theater-style, sliding second-row seat; and the refrigerator-esque rear door that opens to a cavernous interior—but something has been lost. The beveled treatment around the windows has been exaggerated to cartoonish levels, and the slab-sided looks are now interrupted by puffed-up fender flares and bulbous front and rear bumpers. The design has been altered almost to the point where it’s no longer, well, cubic.

Objectively, the Cube has grown up in its third generation, increasing in every dimension except height, with the largest increase being nearly 10 inches added to its length. Wheelbase increases by nearly 5 inches over the last-gen Cube.

Looks aside, we still think the Cube is a clever package that should win many cubist converts. Like its predecessor, the new Cube is based on Nissan’s B platform, which also underpins the Versa hatch and sedan. With a claimed starting price of “around $14,000,” the Cube should be a roomier alternative to a five-door Versa for only about a thousand dollars more. As an added bonus, the Cube takes up less space on the ground, since it’s almost 20 inches shorter than the Versa sedan and about a foot shorter than a Versa hatch.

Along with its platform, the Cube also shares the Versa’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers represent welcome increases over the Japanese-spec car we tested, likely alleviating our biggest Cube gripe. Transmissions will also be familiar to Versa buyers, with a six-speed manual standard on Cube 1.8 and 1.8S models, while a CVT is an option on those two and standard on the 1.8SL trim. CVT-equipped cars are expected to return more than 30 mpg on the highway. Standard safety items include ABS, six airbags, and traction and stability control. Optional equipment is all of the electronic variety: keyless start, Bluetooth, a Rockford Fosgate six-speaker audio system with subwoofer, XM satellite radio, iPod connectivity, and a backup warning system are among the add-ons. Like Scion does with its models, Nissan will offer a line of accessories for the Cube.

So, even though the Cube may no longer be as cubey as we like, it’s still a quirky and efficient, quintessentially Japanese package that will likely win buyers from Scion’s xB and Honda’s Element. U.S. sales will begin in the spring of 2009.

Motorcycle insurance protects you from many risks. Leading insurance companies offer a great many choices for motorcycle insurance and owners can decide whether they want minimum coverage or comprehensive coverage. Insuring a motorcycle protects the owners from theft, vandalism, accidents, and more. Motorcycle insurance can be bought online or offline from leading Insurance companies.

1. Before setting out to buy motorcycle insurance it is important to know what insurance companies base their premiums on. Surf the internet and read up on motorcycle insurance essentials.

2. If the bike is branded and comes from a reliable manufacturer, then the premiums cost less. Insurance companies compute costs of repair when setting premiums. It is advisable to enquire about insurance before buying a bike.

3. Buy a policy that covers: Liability, collision, no-fault, service coverage, uninsured coverage, passenger coverage, bodily injury coverage, theft, medical coverage, and so on.

4. Use online insurance tools to get at least three quotes for different insurance companies. Always compare insurance coverage and quotes.

5. Find out about multiple policy discounts. If you have a home or car insured and are known as a reliable risk by the insurance company they will cover the motorcycle at a discount. Ask about multiple policy discounts.

6. Follow all maintenance and safety regulations and the premiums on your motorcycle will be much lower.

7. Learn all about capping your mileage. Insurers offer great discounts to people who use their bikes sparingly.

8. Surf the internet for great discount offers on insurance and read up the latest laws and news on motorcycle insurance. This will help you lower insurance costs greatly.

9. Try and ride the motorcycle safety and take good care of wear and tear. No claims means much lowered premiums and great savings for you.

10. Factors that effect insurance premiums are: your age, make of bike, where you live, your driving record and so on. So if you reside in what is considered a safe locality then your insurance premium for the motorcycle will be reduced considerably; find out what affects premium rates and do your best to follow recommendations like safe storage of bike, no riding in winter and so on.

11. Taking DMV or special motorcycle training can get you a better insurance deal. Learn how to save by taking the required classes.

Great savings on motorcycle insurance can be made by following rules, being a responsible citizen and having lower risk factors. Learn about motorcycle riding safety, rules, laws, and more from the “Motorcycle safety Foundation,” at http://msf-usa.org/ .

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The late years bad credit auto loans have become increasingly common and more and more customers are enjoying the benefits of getting finance for the purchase of a car even with bad credit. Almost 20% of customers have bad credit so it is not strange that bad credit auto loans have become so popular. The financial industry always tends to provide solutions as long as the market is tempting enough and the auto loan market for people with bad credit meets this requirement.

Shopping Online

Getting a loan from a regular lender with bad credit can be difficult. However there are many online auto loan lenders willing to consider bad credit applications. As the auto loan business becomes more and more competitive lenders tend to reduce the interest rate they charge even for bad credit loans. This is the reason why it is not strange to find affordable bad credit loans these days. So just search around the net for bad credit loan lenders and request as many loan quotes as possible to compare interest rates and other loan terms. This way you will be able to get the best deal available for you.

Secured Or Unsecured

There are mainly two kind of bad credit auto loans, Secured auto loans and Unsecured auto loans. Secured auto loans require a form of collateral as a guarantee for the lender. This greatly reduces the interest rate charged compared to unsecured auto loans. On the other hand, unsecured auto loans do not require collateral driving away the risk of repossession. In order to decide which of these options is the best for you, you need to ponder the risk involved in the transaction if you use your home as collateral and the money you would save in interests.

Repayment Length

Repayment schedules can last between two to thirty years, it really depends on the borrowers income whether he should choose a shorter or longer repayment program. However, it is always the best to keep it as short as possible as this will save you thousands of dollars in interest. “Pay off the loan as early as possible” is definitely a good advice. If you think you might make additional payments due to having a variable income, make sure there are no prepayment penalties within the loan terms as you may end up paying more just because you want to cancel your loan sooner.

Down Payments

Some lenders require down payments in order to provide finance for the purchase of a car. Nevertheless, there are many lenders out there willing to finance 100% of the vehicle value. Bare in mind though, that if you can raise some money and set it aside for a down payment, you’ll be able to get a much better deal as lenders usually charge lower interest rates when the applicant is capable of making a down payment because it shows that you are able to save money and thus it is more likely that you will be able to repay the loan without any problems. It’s a great way to save thousands of dollars.

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Radar detectors are electronic devices designed to detect radio waves. Radar detectors detect radio signals across a range of wavelengths —X, K, Ka and Ku. Radar detectors are used for a variety of purposes across the world. Radar detectors help alert motorists regarding speed traps and radar guns. Radar detectors are also used in tracking, fishing, and exploration.

When buying a radar detector consider:

1. What you are going to use it for? State of the art radar detectors are expensive so you would need to have a clear idea of what you would like to spend.

2. Think about whether you are going to install the radar detector yourself or are you going to have it professionally installed.

3. It is important to choose a radar detector manufactured by a well known electronics company and a radar that can detect a wide range: Ka, K, X, and so on.

4. Try and get a radar detection unit that has a minimum of 100db. Ideally a unit with a memory function is desirable.The more sensitive a radar unit is the more beneficial it will be.

5. Look for a radar unit with a clear display that can be seen at night. Find one that has an adjustable volume as well as mute option.

6. Ask for a long range detector with high sensitivity.

7. Find out what the technical specifications are as well as the pros and cons of the radar detector.

8. Try and get a radar detector model that has a city/ highway mode. This will limit false alarms greatly.

9. Look for radar detectors with extra features like Vg-2 Alert and Vg-2 Non-detection. These features are valuable in states where using radar detectors is illegal.

10. Ask whether the detector has a voice feature this will ensure that the driver is not disturbed.

Radar detectors retail between USD 100-200 . choose a well known brand like BEL, Escort, K40, or Valentine One. They manufacture radar detectors using updated technologies and take market competition seriously.

Radar detectors can be bought retail or online. Online sites sell the best radar detectors at the most affordable rates. You can mount radar detector on the windshield, dash, or visor. If you want a radar detector custom mounted you will have to spend over a 1000 dollars. Experts recommend an easy to remove mounting system so that you can use the same radar detector in different cars.

Take the advice of experts on the best detector to buy and its placement. Electronics are being constantly upgraded so find out aspects like the frequency in your area and the kind of speed detectors that are in use by the police before making a purchase.

Before you invest in a radar detector find out what the laws in your state are.

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Defensive driving teaches safe driving techniques to drivers. At defensive driving classes students learn to overcome mistakes in driving techniques, learn to improve their driving skills; learn to make informed decisions and to anticipate situations while driving.

Defensive driving classes have been set up in every state by the government and police departments to make the world a safer place to live in. The need for speed can kill, it is important to teach driver discipline and safety rules. Defensive driving aims to reduce the risk of driving. Drivers must instinctively anticipate dangerous situations and avoid risks while driving vehicles in normal as well as adverse conditions. Defensive driving courses cover aspects like: emergency care, principles of safety, control of fear and emotions, on the spot decision making, quick reactions, fear, and so on.

More than 50,000 people in the US loose their lives due to road accidents. Accidents can be prevented by following simple rules. There are websites online that teach the rules that can help save lives. See http://www.roadtripamerica.com/DefensiveDriving/Drive-Safe-With-Uncle-Bob.htm .

The benefits of defensive driving classes are many and vary with each state.

1. Most states offer as incentive a reduction of points on your driver’s license following a driving violation ticket and offer the additional incentive of not increasing insurance rates.

2. In some states a defensive driving course would get at least 10% reduction is insurance rates for a period of 3-5 years. This being a considerable saving.

3. A defensive driving course will teach safe and accident free driving techniques.

4. The course will teach protection techniques and how to handle road rage and speeding.

5. The defensive driving course will teach safe driving techniques in bad weather and adverse conditions. The course will hone skills in highway driving, night driving, and extreme weather driving.

6. The course will inculcate critical safety issues and teach emergency action too.

7. By taking a defensive driving course you will not have to appear in court.

8. The driving violation charges will be dismissed and a fine will not be assessed.

9. Defensive driving classes create responsible citizens which mean children and families will remain protected.

10. Most important the defensive driving classes will improve driving skills, reiterate driving laws and rules and make better drivers of people.

A defensive driving class can even be taken virtually. States have set up defensive driving classes both online and offline to create a safe environment for citizens. Defensive driving teaches people to be responsible drivers and take all necessary precautions when seated behind the wheel of a car. It protects not just the driver but pedestrians, animals, and fellow commuters. It makes the roads safer.

Defensive driving saves lives.

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Motorcycles are what everyone desires. If you are considering buying a used motorcycle you will need to be savvy so that you do not get taken for a ride. Not all used motorcycles are equal. So before you pay make sure the bike you are buying is the best in its category.

Used motorcycles can be bought from family and friends, online stores, dealers, classifieds in newspapers and more. While buying a known motorcycle is your best option sometimes you may need to buy from unknown sources. Do your research well. Surf the internet and read articles and tips on bikes and what to look for when buying a motorbike. Visit a few dealers and online motorbike websites to see what is on sale in the used motorbike category. In case you are nervy take the help of an auto professional. Find out what the price is for used motorbikes this will give you an idea of brands and price range.

Before you decide on the bike consider:

1. Making a thorough inspection. Check for damage and scratches as well as bends and repair signs.

2. Study the different motorbike models and know what inherent flaws are.

3. Ask whether the bike has been raced and how many owners it has had.

4. Check the lines of the bike and the brake and clutch for smooth operation.

5. Rev the engine and listen to what it has to say. If you are tone deaf take along a biker friend.

6. Check the bike for signs of rust and paint flaking.

7. Check the wheel and tires for wear and tear.

8. Study the service records carefully.

9. Ask pertinent questions to know how the bike has been used and whether the owner takes pride in his bike. Judge whether the owner is being honest about the bikes accident free status and performance.

10. An owner who loves his bike will talk about it clearly and try and judge whether you will care for his old friend. Always make sure no modifications were done and that the service and maintenance were done by an authorized dealer with genuine parts.

Never buy the first bike you see. Buying a bike is like looking for an ever elusive pearl. Take your time and you will get a bike that will give trouble free rides. Always ask for a test ride and go through the papers to check there are no insurance or loan amounts pending. Read through sites like http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html where in depth articles are given for buyers of second hand motorbikes.

Study the bike not once but twice or even thrice before making a decision. Make sure you feel comfortable when seated on the bike. Motorbikes are like horses the owner and the motorbike must both feel as though they are one entity.

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Cars need tires and it is best to buy new tires. The key is to get high quality car tires at low prices. The market online and offline is filled with a huge variety of tires. Choose tires with care and get a set of tires that are most suited to your car.

The first step in buying car tires is to follow recommendations made by the car manufacturer. Unless you are an auto mechanic or formula one car racer what the manufacturer recommends as suitable tires for the car are the best choice.

1. Get all the parameters right. From the side of the tires or your car manual jot down : vehicle application; tire width; aspect ratio; radial designation; wheel diameter; load index; speed rating; DOT; ply construction; load and pressure limits; tread wear and traction ratings.

2. Be smart shop around for the best deal locally as well as online.

3. Check aspects like factory warranties and shop guarantees before paying for the tires.

4. Know which features are important and find tires that will give you safety, longevity, and peace of mind.

5. Find out if you are buying online how the tires will be delivered to you, who will mount and balance the tires. Many online sites offer tires for great rates but you will have to pay for shipping as well as for a mechanic to fit the tires. So well before buying check out the instructions on the website and find out exactly how much it will cost to get new tires fixed on the car.

6. While many recommend buying refurbished tires in the long run new tires will stand you in good stead. While you may save money on purchase the wear and tear will be quicker.

7. Most people buy all season tires but in case you live in a snow bound or very wet region you may need special car tires for specific seasons. If in doubt consult an automotive expert.

8. Check whether the tires you are considering buying are for passenger vehicles and radial. Tubeless tires are great for urban roads that are well maintained.

9. Always get the tires fitted by an expert and ensure that balancing is done. Ask about how to prevent new tire wear and tear by rotating the tires/wheels.

10. Always replace tires in pairs. It is best to replace all four but in case of budget constrains then do the needful two at a time. The front wheels first followed by the back wheels. Never replace one in the front and the other at the back.

Read up about tires on the internet. When in doubt ask the manufacturer. If you care for your car and its tires then the car will serve you well.

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On the highway, motorcycles are “small fry”. They’re easy for autos and trucks to miss or disregard. Over the last decade, there has been an increase in serious and sometimes fatal accidental injuries to motorcyclists. Consequently, responsible motorcyclists always stay alert to nearby vehicles and their surroundings. But that’s not enough if you want to take a safe ride.

In many important ways, operating a motorcycle is not like driving an automobile. So you have to change your way of thinking and your way of driving when you ride your motorcycle. For example, to turn a motorcycle left or right, it’s not just a matter of turning a steering wheel. You must lean left or right depending on which way you want to go. Your motorcycle has two brakes, and you must learn to use them both and in coordination with each other. Unlike most automobiles which are equipped with automatic transmission, you will need to shift gears on a motorcycle. For this reason, going up or downhill can be particularly tricky. And these are just a few of the differences you need to learn.

What are some of the basics in motorcycle safety?

• Make it easy for automobile and truck drivers to see you.

Wear bright colored clothing. Fluorescent, orange and/or yellow shirts, vests, jackets, and helmets enhance visibility during the day. At night, wear reflective material on helmets, vests/jackets, and even shoes. Remember, you must be seen from the side, not just the back and front. Put reflective material on the sides of your helmet, clothing and shoes, not just on the front and back. If a motorist can’t see you or your bike, he won’t take action to avoid you.

Make it a habit to use your turn signals – always. Turn signals tell other drivers what you plan to do. They make your bike easier to see on the road. Nearby motor vehicle operators are more likely to notice your bike’s flashing turn signal than its activated taillight. Equally important, however, is the need to deactivate your turn signal as soon as you complete your turn or as soon as you decide not to turn after all. If your turn signal remains activated after you have made a turn, the driver behind you may assume you will turn again, and he may pull directly into your path.

Enhance your visibility by tapping your foot brake lightly before you slow down, especially when you anticipate a quick stop. The flashing brake light will alert the driver behind you to your sudden change in speed.

Stay out of blind spots. Motorcyclists are more at risk in a blind spot than other motorists because their cycles are relatively small compared to trucks and automobiles. Whenever you approach a vehicle you may want to pass, you must make a choice, and quickly too. Do you really want to pass? If so, pass as fast as you reasonably can. If not, drop back, well out of the blind spot. The less time you spend in another driver’s blind spot, the safer you will be.

As you travel along the roads and highways behind another vehicle, take care to position your bike where the other driver will be able to see you in his rear view mirror. Keep in mind that intersections are always dangerous. It’s where most motorcycle crashes happen because auto or truck drivers who approach an intersection sometimes fail to see the motorcyclist who has the right of way as he travels down the main thoroughfare.

• Keep your headlights on night and day.

Sound strange? Yes, but studies show that keeping your headlights on high beam during daylight hours increases your visibility to oncoming traffic and prevents accidents.

• Wear a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218- compliant helmet every time you ride your bike.

It’s the law in many states so you may have no choice in the matter. Regardless, it is always safer to ride wearing a helmet that meets recognized Snell, ANSI, and/or Federal DOT standards. Statistics show helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries. What does this mean? For every 100 motorcyclists who die in motorcycle crashes, 37 of them would have been saved had they been wearing a helmet when the accident happened. And make certain your helmet is, in fact, a certified/compliant helmet. Watch out for helmets with false certifications or counterfeit stickers imprinted with a DOT symbol.

Accidents happen close to home, not just far away. Never say to yourself, “Well, I’m just going a mile or two to the store or to a friend’s house, why should I bother with a helmet?” Helmets save lives. They give you some measure of protection against serious brain injuries in the event of an accident.

In addition to helmet laws, there may be requirements in your state regarding face shields and safety glasses or goggles. Face shields protect your face from rain, dust, insects and flying debris. Goggles protect your eyes. Special regulations may control whether or not a motorcycle may carry a second passenger. This usually depends on whether your motorcycle is equipped with a permanent seat specially designed to carry a second person. A passenger who is not properly seated on a motorcycle is at increased risk of falling off a bike and accidental injury.

• Follow state and local traffic laws.

Motorcyclists must follow the same “rules of the road” and traffic regulations as automobiles and trucks. These laws may be even more important to the safety of the motorcycle operator than to drivers of other motor vehicles. After all, motorcycles are not equipped with the same physical protections and restraints found in autos and trucks. Familiarize yourself with the general motor vehicle laws of your state. Just as important, study carefully the statutes directed specifically at the operation of motorcycles. They were enacted to help ensure your safety.

• Take a motorcycle rider skills training course.

You can pay with your life if you don’t learn the essential skills necessary to operate a motorcycle properly and safely. Most everyone takes a driver training course to obtain an automobile driver’s license when they are teenagers. In fact, many states mandate such instruction because well trained automobile operators make for safer roads and highways. It makes just as much sense for motorcycle operators to take a skills training course given by a professional instructor and designed specifically for motorcycle operation.

There are motorcycle rider skills training courses in most states. Your state department of motor vehicles, for one, should have information on such programs. And remember, there are skills training courses not just for the novice but for the more experienced rider as well. Take the time to refresh and refine your rider techniques by taking an advanced skills course every few years.

• Obtain the driver’s license endorsement you need to legally operate a motorcycle in your state.

Statistics kept by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tell us that 25% of the motorcyclists who died as a result of traffic accidents in 2004 were either not licensed at all or were not properly licensed to operate a motorcycle.

• Don’t speed.

In 2004, 36% of all fatal motorcycle accidents were the result of speeding at the time of the accident. It’s simple. Speed kills.

• Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles.

Think you don’t have to maintain the same distance behind an auto or truck that an auto or truck must keep as it travels behind other vehicles? Wrong! A motorcycle ordinarily requires as much stopping distance as an automobile. Studies have shown that following too closely is a major cause of accidents on the part of the motorcyclist.

• Don’t ride in an impaired condition.

It is no surprise that alcohol and other drugs play a substantial role in too many motorcycle accidents. In 2004, for example, alcohol was involved in a much higher percentage of motorcycle accidents (31% higher) than auto accidents. And worse, according to NHSTA, 41 percent of the 1672 motorcyclists who died in single vehicle crashes in 2004 had blood alcohol levels above the legal minimum of .08 g/dL. Never ride while intoxicated.

• Give your bike a “pre-trip” inspection.

Long distance truckers give their tractor trailers daily pre-trip inspections and so should motorcycle operators. Check tire air pressure and the hydraulic fluid level. Look for signs of an oil or gas leak. Do headlights and taillights work in both high and low beam? Are your brake lights and turn signals operational? Do you need to refill your coolant reservoir?

Clutch and throttle should work smoothly. Clean your mirrors and adjust them when needed. Engage your front and rear brake levers, one brake at a time, to ensure they are in working order.

• Never ride someone else’s bike without first familiarizing yourself with its particular features and/or without giving it a pre-trip inspection.

Don’t assume that someone else’s bike is just like yours. Make sure you know the location of the turn signals, the horn, the headlight switch, and the engine cut-off switch. Familiarize yourself with the controls and the bike’s gear pattern. Practice working the throttle, clutch and brakes a few times before you take a borrowed bike for a spin.

• Beware of road surface and other hazards.

Road surfaces that may not be so dangerous for auto and truck drivers may be very dangerous for the motorcyclist. Gravel roads, wet pavement, wet pavement with oil slicks, and paved roads with loose sand and gravel are especially treacherous. These surfaces provide poor traction for motorcycles traveling along them. Motorcyclists should think twice about taking their bikes out at all in mud, snow, or icy conditions. During Autumn, wet leaves can cause problematic conditions as well.

Uneven surfaces can be dangerous. The motorcyclist should drive especially carefully when passing over bumps, broken pavement, potholes, railroad tracks, steel plates, grates, manhole covers or raised lane and highway marker to name just a few.

• Remember that darkness reduces visibility on the road.

If a motorcycle can sometimes travel unnoticed by traffic nearby in broad daylight, the situation at night is even more hazardous. Darkness reduces visibility. At night, it is more difficult for other drivers to see your relatively small motorcycle or to pick up its headlights and taillights from among the myriad of other vehicle lights surrounding you.

It’s up to you to keep the odds on your side. Drive slower at night. Keep a greater distance between you and the vehicle directly ahead of you. Unless you are following immediately behind another vehicle or another vehicle is approaching you from the opposite direction, use your high beams. They will help you see unexpected obstacles or animals in the road in front of you.

• Always remain alert to your surroundings and nearby vehicles.

You can’t take action to avoid a potential accident if you are not aware of the danger. There are negligent motorists on the roads. They may drive recklessly so defensive driving is essential. What is one of the most deadly maneuvers a motorcyclist is likely to confront everyday on the road? It is the other driver who turns left in front of him while the cyclist is doing one of three things: (1) traveling straight, (2) passing the other vehicle, or (3) overtaking the other vehicle. In 2004, 39% of fatal motorcycle accidents occurred under one of the foregoing fact patterns. Do what it takes to ensure the other driver knows you are in his path if he decides to turn left in front of you.

Following the suggestions outlined above will make for safer motorcycle operation. The stakes are high. And who has a greater interest in motorcycle safety than the motorcyclist himself? The cyclist who takes responsibility for ensuring he has taken every precaution to make his ride a safe one is less likely to find himself injured in a serious accident.

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