 "Photo: Doniel Holloway")
An increasing number of students are riding motorcycles to class because of higher gas prices, cheaper vehicle payments and smaller insurance premiums, while ignoring their own safety.
Saving money can be beneficial, but statistics show that 4,778 motorcyclists were killed last year, according to the Motorcycle Accidents website.
Motorcyclists who ride 'supersport' bikes, which have a top speed of more than 160 mph, have a higher fatality rate compared those riding other types of motorcycles. The average age of owners of supersport bikes is 27, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Web site.
An easier and safer way to reap the rewards of motorcycle riding and staying alive can be found by enrolling in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's training courses. The MSF offers basic and experienced courses that teach riding skills to people of all ages.
The Motorcycle Industry's website states the number of graduates from the MSF courses increased to 370,000 in 2006.
"It raises awareness and helps the rider look at situations and prevent an accident," said Aaron T. Surprise, 24, an MSF student who successfully completed the course.
"Starting and stopping is the hardest part for most beginners," said Ray M. Long, 38, site coordinator for Poca, W.Va., where the road test is held.
"People pick up a lot of bad habits from others," said Erica N. Smith, 36, an MSF safety instructor.
Statistics hold this to be true. Motorcycle Accidents' Web site states 92 percent of all accidents happened to people who were self-taught or learned from someone who was not properly trained.
The benefits of taking an MSF course will make a student's bank account rise out of red numbers. Besides saving on gas, most insurance companies will offer up to a 20 percent discount if a customer has successfully completed the course, according to course instructors.
On the third and last days of training, course instructors hand out completion cards to be kept by the student while giving advice on how to save money when it is time to buy a motorcycle.
Suzuki offers a $50 certificate for merchandise and a refund of the class for the same amount. Former members of HOG, Harley-Davidson's club, also get a certificate for merchandise. Through Riders of Kawasaki, graduates receive certificates and refunds.
Monetary benefits are great; but Sheryl White, 52, "highly recommends" taking the course because "it builds camaraderie."
Danielle McComas, 32, a recent graduate said, "it was awesome."
"Intense but awesome," said Deborah Jones, 58, a Marshall alumna who took the course to be a back-up for her husband on their Honda Goldwing Trike.
The monetary benefits are available when students choose to ride but always keep in mind personal safety and the safety of others on the road.
Jennifer Reynolds can be contacted at reynolds39@marshall.edu
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