Et cetera : Roadside Chat: Born to be wild? You can still be an easy rider

For some people, there's nothing quite like taking to the open road on a motorcycle. Riding can give you an adrenaline rush that releases "feel good" hormones called endorphins in the body. Some riders refer to the experience as "pure joy."

The cost of a motorcycle is typically less than a car and they use less gas, which makes them an economical transportation option.

Those are a few of the positive aspects of life on two wheels. Since May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we also need to talk about the dangers.

• Unlike the relative safety of the inside of a car, you don't have a lot of protection for your body in the event of a crash on a motorcycle.
• Motorcycle riders sometimes take risks, like speeding, weaving through traffic, and other dangerous maneuvers.
• Iowa has thousands of miles of gravel roads. Gravel kills your grip, causing your bike to behave unpredictably and easily causing a wreck.
• Weather has a bigger impact on motorcycles. Riding on wet roads can be slick and visibility can be reduced, increasing the danger for motorcycles.
• Smaller motorcycles are more difficult for other motorists to see.

Let's all share the road responsibly. Watch out for other vehicles, no matter how many wheels are hugging the pavement. Slow down, pay attention, and drive sober.

Whether you are a new rider or an experienced one, it's a great idea to brush up on your skills. Find out more about a Motorcycle Rider Education course near you https://iowadot.gov/mvd/motorcycle/motorcycle-rider-education.

So far this year in Iowa, 98 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That's an increase of four since last Friday. In Iowa in 2022, there were 338 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf