Our Wings Are in Motion
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Our Wings are In Motion GWRRA Staff GWRRA Home Office 21423 North 11th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85027 Phone: 800-843-9460 GWRRA Director: FROM THE DIRECTORS Mike Stiger March is suppose to come in like a Lion and go out like a lamb, with the weather we just had, Vina and I heard Region E Director: the roar of the wind from our basement as the violent Clayton Alcorn storm of Feb 27/28 passed over us. I think a whole Illinois District Director pride of lions ran through here. There were 3 Dan Ribbing confirmed tornados in St. Louis area. These winter storms remind us that the need to ride aware extends to Chapter “O” Officers our daily lives, as we need to live aware too, and in both cases, preparation is the key to success. Time to buy Director some fresh batteries for the flashlights. Ed and Vina Haggerty [email protected] or 618-558-4729 On the way to the training day at Kendall Assistant Director Hill, on Highway 255, I Dave Laux was in the middle lane, [email protected] there was a car in the left Treasurer lane slightly ahead, and I Vicky Dillard noticed that I was in [email protected] their blind spot. Not a Member Enhancement good place to be in a car or while riding a motorcycle. Judi Laux Then I noticed that their passenger side mirror was [email protected] pulled in, everything on their right side was now in their blind spot. I backed off the speed to increase Educator separation, and thought how many times on the Jean Stout [email protected] Goldwing I’m aware of where I am in relation to the cars around me and make sure I’m not in anyone’s blind spot, but I never check the passenger side mirror. So you are thinking that was one in a million, a car with March 2011 their side mirror pulled in, that will never happen again. 1 I thought that too. Then this car passed us. This time, the passenger side mirror was broken. I saw 2 cars in one day within hours of each other. What are the chances of seeing another car that can’t see their right side blind spot? I’d say pretty good. The need to drive aware, ride aware and live aware never changes. Two of our chapter members lost family members last month, Mary Ruder lost her brother and Walter Potwora lost his sister. Vina and I, on behalf of Chapter “O”, extend our deepest sympathies to the families of Mary Ruder and Walter Potwora. Mary Ruder posted a note of thanks on the chapter web page: Ray and I would like to thank all the Chapter O members who came to see my brother, Leonard Guth at his funeral wake. A special thank you to Ed and Vina and Larry who gave a patriot demonstration at the wake. Also a special thank you to Jean Potwora who did such a fine job of putting the wake notice on the club website. And from the Potwora Family: We would like to thank all the members of Chapter O for their thoughts, prayers, and acts of kindness during our time of grief over the loss of Walter’s sister, Margaret. GWRRA is more than friends; it is truly a family and a great support system. Thank you and God Bless You All. Walter & Jean Potwora, & Bobby Poole On a lighter note we had two ice cream runs in February, we went to the new Dairy King in Trenton. I think this is a perfect place to have a Wednesday night ice cream run. They serve good food, the ice cream is delicious, there’s benches out side. We will visit here twice during riding season. Next we went to DQ in Columbia. As far as I know, this is a first for the chapter. I have added DQ, Columbia to the Wednesday night ice cream run schedule. During Game/Training day, I presented two Rider Ed Seminars, Crash Scene response and Motorcycling for the mature rider. Due to matters listed above, the day was cut short, however we did end up at Ravenelli’s for a delicious dinner. There’s a LTP class scheduled for March 26th, please check the chapter calendar and hope to see you there. LTP classes are for GWRRA members looking move up and bring their talents, skills and abilities to become chapter officers and be a part of chapter management. Knowledge enhancement and advanced leadership will be presented. The chapter calendar is filled out, for most of the year, Dave Laux and I think we have some new and different rides this year. We will combine some riding with the MAD poker run, riding to state parks and oddities. We scheduled an overnight ride to the motorcycle museum in Anamosa, Iowa. So get your Goldwing ready, riding season is almost here. 2 IDOT Secretary Announces 2nd Consecutive Year Illinois Experienced Less Than 1,000 Roadway Fatalities Data Confirms Historic Two-Year Mark Not Seen Since 1921 SPRINGFIELD- The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State Police (ISP) today announced that Illinois experienced fewer than 1,000 traffic fatalities in 2010 for the second straight year - reflecting record two-year lows for the state dating to 1921. Data from IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety shows Illinois experienced 911 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in 2009. In 2010, preliminary numbers report 923 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes took place on Illinois roadways. "IDOT is encouraged by this historic accomplishment, but understands that continued perseverance and hard work are essential to maintain or decrease the number of traffic fatalities in years to come," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "In recent decades, the goal of achieving fewer than 1,000 roadway fatalities in a state of this size was considered impossible, but now it is reality. We commend the efforts of our partners, as we spotlight the numerous effective programs administered by IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety and our partner agencies. We also applaud motorists' continued efforts to drive safely and comply with highway safety laws in Illinois." IDOT has implemented numerous life-saving awareness, training and engineering programs to dramatically improve safety in Illinois. Some of the traffic safety initiatives administered by IDOT include: the Operation Teen Safe Driving, Motorcycle Safety, Impaired Driving, Work Zone Safety, Motor Carrier Safety and Occupant Protection programs. In addition, IDOT has continued to forge strategic partnerships with state and local law enforcement departments to boost the number of patrols around holiday mobilizations, increase visibility, decrease drinking and driving occurrences and increase safety belt usage statewide. "The Illinois State Police is proud to continue its partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies to help reduce traffic crash fatalities. We remain committed to improving safety on Illinois roadways, and will utilize all available resources to provide safety education programs which promote safe driving habits," said Interim Director Patrick E. Keen. "Although it is difficult to attribute the reduction of traffic crash fatalities to a single factor, there is no doubt that the combined efforts of law enforcement personnel, the Illinois Department of Transportation and our private partners have significantly contributed to saving lives. With the continued support and cooperation from the motoring public, we can help keep the momentum going for years to come." In 2009, the state of Illinois continued to become a safer place to travel in motor vehicles as a result of successful efforts to improve traffic safety. Illinois finished the year with 911 fatalities. Motorists wearing safety belts in 2009 reached an all-time high with a 91.7 percent usage rate. In 2010, Illinois experienced one of its best years on record concerning roadway fatalities and injuries. Traffic safety statistics are moving in the right direction, the first time since 1921 that Illinois has had two consecutive years with less than 1,000 traffic fatalities. Additionally, the safety belt usage rate increased to a record-breaking 92.6 percent in 2010 contributing to the reduced fatality rate. For more information about crash data or IDOT's traffic safety programs, log onto www.dot.state.il.us/safety.html 3 GETTING READY TO RIDE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!!!!!!! It is March and getting ready to ride has to be in everyone’s mind. I know it’s in mine. I’m sitting here writing this on February 16th and it is 79 degrees today. As much as I want to get out and ride right now there are several things that we as Responsible, Educated Riders need to do to get ready for riding season. Emergency Information For Rider and Co Rider should be on the bike. (Copies of recommended information will be available at the meeting) Check you Emergency Kits. Make sure they are up to date. There will be numerous TCLOCS printouts at the March meeting. If you would like one emailed to you, just email me at ‘[email protected]’ and I will be glad to email copies to you. Other Items to get ready for Riding Season! PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT: Studies show that the head, arms and legs are most often injured in a crash. Protective clothing and equipment serve a three-fold purpose for motorcyclists: comfort and protection from the elements; some measure of injury protection; and through use of color or reflective material, a means for other motorists to see the motorcyclist. Helmet: This is the most important piece of equipment. Safety helmets save lives by reducing the extent of head injuries in the event of a crash.