The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been making lots of updates to their "Most Wanted List" for the coming year.  A huge bonus for The Motorcycle Lawyer and all fellow bikers is that they have replaced recreational boating safety with motorcycle safety.  Finally our national government is realizing how important the safety of motorcyclists is.  "The List" is being directed at state governments which can best improve transportation in many specific areas.

The Motorcycle Lawyer would like to give all the holiday shoppers a few gift ideas for the motorcycle lovers in your lives.  All ringing in UNDER $100!  First, there are some fun “coffee table books” we'd like to tell you about, The Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Archive Collection which has great pictures and descriptions of all the important bikes in H-D's archives, the Grand Prix Motorcycle by Cycle World journalist Kevin Cameron which highlights the Official history of the MotoGP, and The Motorcycle Dream Garages book which has tons of pictures of famous biker enthusiast garages such as Jay Leno, all photographed by Lee Klancher.  Secondly, we've found a few essentials like The Battery Tender Jr. which is great for keeping your battery on a trickle charge all through the winter, a Tire Repair Kit which has all the basics to fix those pesky flats while on the open road, and then the Camelbak Blowfish Hydration Backpack which is an awesome way to carry water with you on long summer rides.  Lastly, our most important suggestion for any avid biker is to get them a membership to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) starting at around $40, it includes free roadside assistance (a major lifesaver) and a subscription to their monthly American Motorcyclist Magazine.  We hope our ideas help, and we'd like to wish everyone Happy Holidays from The Motorcycle Lawyer! 

A recent nationwide poll showed that over the last decade, motorcycle related deaths have almost doubled!  Last year alone there were over 4,400 deaths.  Also, the U.S. has fallen behind nearly every other wealthy country when it comes to traffic safety efforts and reducing fatalities.  As a result of these startling statistics, the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) has decided to add a strict national helmet recommendation to their "most wanted" list of issues for the 2011.  Though the NTSB can't force states to change their helmet laws they will use bullying methods such as limiting funding to states that won't comply and pressuring Congressional delegates to push for a bill to support their cause.  

Most bikers oppose the idea of the government telling us whether or not we have to wear a helmet.  Although the idea may not be pleasant, we should all be prepared for a possible change.

Feel free to let The Motorcycle Lawyer know what you think about this new issue either here on the blog or on our facebook and twitter accounts.

To identify your “Red Zone” take out a map of where you live and draw a five-mile radius circle.  This is where you're most likely to have an accident. The area you know best and where you feel most comfortable is actually the one of most dangerous, we call it the Red Zone because it's the most dangerous zone for bikers.
While there's not a lot of study as to why accident rates are so high here, applying a little logic helps make sense of them.
Starting your ride, the first five miles:
• This is when you are least focused on the ride
• This is when your mind and muscles are least attuned to the bike
• This area will generally have the most traffic, most side streets, and most intersections with potential “right of way” violators
• This is the most familiar area to you, which often means you're least attuned to the road around you
• This area is usually ridden early in the day, when “cage drivers” are still just half awake.
Ending your ride, the last five miles:
• This is when you're the most tired
• This is when you're most likely to let down your guard
• This when you're more focused on the destination instead of the ride
• This area is full of traffic hazards not found on the open road
• This area is filled with tired and distracted cage drivers.

The Motorcycle Lawyer learned today about an Italian company called Evotek that has created a way to attach the ever popular iPhone to a motorcycle.  Software such as a GPS system is just one of many useful applications that the iPhone has for bikers, so of course it seems like a useful idea to be able to mount it on your bike as you hit the open road.  Retailing for about $35 the 4Lock will mount on any round handlebars.  The 4Lock still allows for use of the touchscreen and is equipped with a raincover and a 12-volt power lead.  If you're interested in learning more about the 4Lock you can visit Evotek's website at www.4lock.eu

All through November, Las Vegas Harley-Davidson and Red Rock Harley-Davidson will be running “Operation Christmas Stocking 2010 for the Troops” to help our military men and women overseas.  Donations and goods can be dropped off at both dealerships as well as The Leatherneck Club on Spring Mountain Road during November.  There will also be a poker run and raffle drawing starting at 10am on November 20th with $1,750 in prizes.  To find a list of preapproved donation items and to learn more about this event visit www.lvhd.com.   All bikers and enthusiasts are welcome so The Motorcycle Lawyer suggests you head to Las Vegas H-D and donate!

The Motorcycle Lawyer has found a great website that highlights major motorcycle events and rallies around the country.  If you want the roar of your bike to be heard nationwide, then visit this site to help you plan your year of riding:

The Motorcycle Lawyer heard about a HD shop in New Jersey that puts a different spin on Halloween celebrations.  On Saturday the 30th, Kosco Harley-Davidson/Buell on Rt. 23 will host it's annual Halloween Blood Drive from 9am to 5pm.  It's their 15th year working in conjunction with the Blood Center of New Jersey.  They average 80-90 pints of donated blood a year.  Along with the blood drive there will be chili, sandwiches, popcorn and drinks.  Adult and children halloween movies will be playing on their flat screens all day.  Also, the Harley's Heroes tour will be stopping by friday and saturday to bring "benefits, education and counseling into the communities of our veterans."  To learn more about joining this halloween fun or to donate to the blood drive you can visit www.bloodnj.org

The Motorcycle Lawyer has been informed that in November the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee will be paying tribute to our veterans and their families. 

The Museum will offer free admission to Vets and their families from November 4th through the 7th.  Those days will be filled with events and speakers to honor our countries heroes.

November 4th: An archivist with HD will speak about Harley's wartime contributions and the history of military vehicles.

November 5th: A member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association will talk about a tribute motorcycle he's creating.

November 6th: St. John's Northwestern Military Academy Program will have 80 cadets performing a tribute for veterans involved in conflicts from World War I to present day.

November 7th: The Museum's Ambassador, "Glory" the bald eagle, will be there to pose for pictures (will appear on the 6th as well).

As always everyone is welcome to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at any time.  For those of you who go there, feel free to tell us about it or share pictures on our blogs.