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The climate in Michigan all but ensures that most motorcycle riders will have to store their bikes for the winter. Even if you don't mind slushy and snowy roads, extreme cold temperatures can make riding a motorcycle unbearable. Winterizing your motorcycle may be a simpler solution than attempting to keep it in running condition throughout the worst of a Michigan winter.

Once the snow melts, you will undoubtedly start itching to get your bike out of storage. Now is a great time to start preparing yourself to safely enjoy your motorcycle over the summer. Of all the kinds of collision-related personal injury cases out there, motorcycle injuries tend to be some of the most severe. After all, motorcycle crashes typically involve much larger vehicles which can cause substantial damage to the bike and its rider. That's why you should plan now to improve your safety.

Have you ever ridden with a driver who gets excited about the idea that you are making excellent time? It's almost like they view it as a goal or a way to prove themselves. They want to get to their destination as fast as possible.

Of course, "making great time" often just means driving faster than you should. If the speed limit is 60 miles per hour, and your GPS tells you exactly how long it should take to get there, arriving early just means you went faster than 60 mph. You broke the speed limit.

If you've never had to use it, you may be unfamiliar with the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association's (MCCA's) fund for motorists who suffer catastrophic injuries and whose medical claims are greater than $550,000 ($580,000 as of July 1). The head of the MCCA recently appeared before the state's Senate Insurance Banking Committee (SIBC).

The hearing was part of the legislature's efforts to gather information as they work to reform our state's no-fault auto insurance system. However, the group is fighting efforts by some legislators to use money from that fund to pay for road repairs.

When spring eventually returns to Michigan, plenty of road construction projects will get underway. Construction zones can be highly dangerous for workers and motorists alike. That's why it's essential for drivers to take extra care when they enter a construction zone. This means obeying all signs as well as instructions from those directing traffic in and around these areas.

Following are some important tips to help drivers avoid unnecessary and tragic accidents:

• Begin to slow down and be especially alert as soon as you see signs indicating construction ahead. These are generally diamond-shaped signs.
• Take care if you need to change lanes. If there are lane closures, you may have multiple lanes of vehicles trying to merge into one lane. Use your turn signal before attempting to change lanes and continue to observe traffic around and behind you through your mirrors as you complete the lane change.
• Allow extra space between the driver ahead of you and your vehicle. A good rule of thumb to help avoid a rear-end collision is to have seven seconds worth of braking distance. Also keep a safe distance from any traffic cones, barriers and (of course) highway workers.
• Watch the flaggers and law enforcement officers who are monitoring and directing traffic and obey their directions.
• Remain patient. It's natural to become frustrated if your trip is delayed by road construction. However, it's essential to drive as slowly as necessary for the conditions around the construction zone.
• Make sure you're completely out of the construction zone before you resume the normal posted speed.