Published: July 14, 2008 08:03 am         

Street Talk for July 14, 2008

Question of the week: Several motorcycle accidents have occurred within the past several weeks. What can be done by motorists to increase safety on the roads?

“I feel that the roads should be kept up better. They aren’t paved properly, and there are a lot of pot holes, which makes it more dangerous for motorcycles on the road. If you have to swerve a pot hole, chances are you’re going to end up hitting something else.”

— Marissa Burchell, student, Norwich

“It’s not safe to begin with. I don’t really think there is a way to make riding a motorcycle safe, it’s dangerous by definition.”

— Stefan Armstrong, student, Oneonta

“It’s important to wear your helmet. I live in Kentucky where there isn’t a helmet law, unlike here. It can save your life. That’s the best line of defense as a rider, because you just never know when you’re going to need it.”

— Dick Lesuer, retired, Owensburo, Ky.

“To be visible on the road I think is really important. Sometimes it’s difficult to see a motorcyclist on the road with you, and that’s how accidents happen.”

— Michael Armstrong, teacher, Oneonta

“Wearing your helmet is an obvious choice, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the licensed motorist to wear it, law or no law.”

— Dawn Armstrong, homemaker, Oneonta

“Well, I ride motorcycles, and yes, it can be a dangerous thing, if you’re not smart about it. People who ride over the speed limit really put themselves in a bad position to get hurt. Even wrecking out, by going just 5 miles per hour over the speed limit can do some damage to you. Also, drivers need to be cautious not to tailgate riders, because that can be just as dangerous.”

— Eric Reyome, cook, Lake Placid