Nozzlemen MC & Motorcycle Awareness Month

Our thanks to the Alma Fire District for helping us give a warm welcome the Nozzlemen MC for their annual ride-in to our Post. Alma Fire District brought in the big rig to hoist a very big flag. What an impressive sight! Thank you Alma Fire District and Nozzlemen MC for your service to the public and your continued support of local Veterans!

Established in Michigan, The Nozzlemen Motorcycle Club is a nonprofit charitable organization founded by firefighters for firefighters & other public safety professionals dedicated to promoting the safe sport of motorcycle riding. The Nozzlemen MC promotes brotherhood and participates in many charity rides each year. For more information visit www.nozzlemenmc.com

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a national initiative aimed at getting motorists and motorcyclists to “Share the Road."​ Help make the road safe for all motorists. Review the following safety tips from The National Highway Traffic Administration.

• Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway.
• Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
• Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
• Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
• Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to motorists can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.
• Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars. 

​The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides information & free marketing materials reminding all to Share The Road With Motorcycles!