MotoMark1 Training Helps Area Motorcyclists Stay Safe, Avoid Injuries

(CHARLOTTE) - MotoMark1, North Carolina's premiere provider for advanced motorcycle training and transportation, is helping Charlotte area riders learn how they can reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities. MotoMark1's team of trainers will demonstrate proper riding techniques for both novice and seasoned riders on November 6th.

"With ever increasing traffic and a growing use of cell phones by motorists, the skills needed to safely ride a motorcycle in a major city has become increasingly complex," explained MotoMark1 founder Mark Brown. "Our goal is to provide our students with competence and confidence when they take to the open road."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, although motorcycles make up about 2 percent of all registered vehicles, they accounted for over 8 percent of the total fatalities in 2003, compared to 5 percent in 1997. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police report 12 fatalities involving motorcyclists since January of 2004.

A significant percentage of injuries arise from vehicles turning left in front of motorcyclists. The MotoMark1 training emphasizes the need for braking and maneuvering skills not found in basic motorcycling courses.

Brown, the lead instructor for North Carolina's Highway Patrol motorcycle training unit, created the unique program after hearing from many recreational riders who wanted to learn street survival tactics.

"Motor officers are on the job eight to twelve hours a day and are constantly taking evasive actions due to heavy traffic or other drivers not seeing them or looking for them," said Brown. "Civilian riders need to same skill set if they want to stay safe and truly enjoy the sport of motorcycling."

Beginning in 2005, MotoMark1 will add a video component to the precision maneuvering course. Digital video will allow students to see themselves as they practice and master low speed maneuvering, high-speed braking, and tight precision techniques. Being able to see what they are doing right as well as what they are doing wrong during the course could save their life in an emergency situation.

In addition to the Precision Motorcycle Maneuvering School, MotoMark1 offers advanced road skills training, off road training, and escort services for special events and charity rides.

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