Most people ride motorcycles because they enjoy the immediate feedback provided by the machine and the connection with the riding environment. Use of alcohol and other drugs (over the counter, prescription or illegal) before riding a motorcycle compromises the intimate relationship between the motorcyclist, the machine and the road.

There has been a lot of research that shows how alcohol hinders car drivers' skills, including:

 Visual sharpness

 Judgement 

 Reaction time 

 General awareness.

But what about motorcycle riding skills?

Research also shows that alcohol adversely affects riding skills, too. Most motorcyclists agree that it takes more coordination and alertness to ride a motorcycle than to drive a car. Thus, motorcyclists need the above skills even more than car drivers.

Good judgment is the most critical skill in motorcycle riding. Judgment is an essential element in the process of preventing crashes. Unfortunately, judgment is also the first function to be affected by alcohol. This leads to one conclusion: Drinking before riding is a big risk. Using other drugs before riding can also be dangerous and increases risk significantly.

Here's why.

Call (800) 446-9227 for the rider course nearest you.

Back to Impairment