Thanks for asking. 6=0 is a quick formula highlighting six areas a motorcyclist can be educated on that can affect a motorcyclist’s safety. We all know that a good day of riding is one where we come home without being hurt. Whether we ride with our friends or by ourselves, we ride to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors and have nothing surrounding us that dampens our experience. Along with riding, however, comes responsibility. We know that other people on the road often do not see us, but have we done everything we can to ensure we have not contributed to a possible crash? This is where six equals zero comes in, and my story begins.

A number of years ago in Wisconsin, a group launched a program called Five Equals Zero. It was an interesting and flashy program that talked about how motorcycle safety items, such as apparel, laws, impaired riding, visibility, & rider education, can reduce crashes. By reducing crashes, we reduce injuries and fatalities. I loved the whole concept but immediately noticed they were missing a vital part of education: first response! I reached out to them to ask that they add 1st Response to their program, but they had already developed all of their materials, and there was resistance to the concept that 1st Response be included.

It was then that we launched our own program through Road Guardians called Six Equals Zero. Our tagline is: “Stay ALIVE with first response.” It encourages riders to do everything they can to avoid a crash in the first place but also to have a plan to minimize injuries and fatalities through quick and proper first response. Because motorcyclists often travel in groups, the most likely person to be first at the scene of a motorcycle crash is another motorcyclist. We all need to know how to help each other if that were to occur, and we need to carry proper tools in order to react effectively.

These are six areas you can continue to become educated in to improve your chance of arriving home safe and happy.

To learn more about all of these topics, we have a resource and articles on our website HERE. We encourage you to share and challenge yourself to be a lifelong learner.

Vicki “Spitfire” Sanfelipo, RN
Executive Director ASM/ Road Guardians