You are operating a motorcycle along a main road. At the crossroad ahead, you notice the front wheels of the car stopped on the right have started to move. Just before you reach the intersection the car pulls out in front of you. What would you do?

This is not an uncommon situation for motorcycle riders. Knowing what to do can save your life and the life of your passenger.

Trooper David Anderson, public information officer for Louisiana State Police Troop I, said do not panic and lock up the brakes of the motorcycle, but steer in the direction from which the car came.

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Anderson said that, as a state trooper, one thing he likes to remind people is riding a motorcycle in nothing like driving a car.

“The operator (of the motorcycle) must pay attention 100 percent of the time,” said Anderson. “There is almost no time for error.”

He goes on to say the operator of the motorcycle should scan intersections for other vehicles and the roadway ahead for hazards. This gives the operator time to react safely.

A Web site for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, www.msf-usa.org, recommends the operator of a motorcycle search the path of travel 12 seconds ahead. This helps identify and separate hazards. Being prepared to act by remaining alert and knowing how to carry out proper crash avoidance skills can keep the ride safe and enjoyable.

Anderson, a veteran police motorcycle rider with 13 years experience and an motorcycle instructor for Louisiana State Police, said braking on a motorcycle is another safety point. He said that more than 70 percent of the braking power is assigned to the front brake of a motorcycle. He recommend operators use both front and rear brakes to create a normal stop. Squeeze the front brake lever and press down on the rear brake pedal.

If the operator panics and grabs the front brake or jams the rear brake, one or the other can lock up and create control problems, the trooper said.

Anderson also advises that riders use a staggered formation instead of riding side-by-side.

“For the inexperienced rider, a staggered formation leaves enough room for the operator to react,” Anderson said.

Another good safety tip is to keep a safe distance all around the motorcycle, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. A “cushion of space” allows the operator time to react and space to maneuver. Anderson said riding in organized rides is safer than one would think.

“A lot of preparation goes into these organized rides. I have put on the MDA ride to the casino (Cypress Bayou Casino) for eight or nine years,” said Anderson, “and only saw minor instances such as break downs during the ride.”

He also said these rides utilize what are called “road rangers.” These motorcycle riders travel ahead of the group to help at intersections and look for hazards in the road. Anderson said these riders are distinguished by the reflective vests they wear while riding as a “road ranger.”

Anderson said a state trooper must complete an 80-hour course to become a motorcycle trooper. As much as 10 to 12 hours a day are spent on the motorcycle, practicing all types of driving conditions such as on- and off-road driving and escorting. He said riders who complete a motorcycle safety course may get a reduced rate on motorcycle insurance.

Huey Romero and his son Chad teach a safety course in Lafayette. Huey Romero said the course offered to the public deals with road hazards, watching for other vehicles, being seen by other vehicles and how the operation of the motorcycle changes dramatically when riding with a passenger.

“A passenger on a motorcycle must possess some knowledge of how the motorcycle operates like in turns. It can be scary for an inexperienced passenger,” Romero said.

Romero said about 60 percent of their students are women.

“To me, women are more cautious than men,” Romero said.

For more safety tips, see the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Web site at www.msf-usa.org. For more information on the motorcycle safety course in Lafayette, contact Chad Romero at 739-2254.