‘Get home safe’ Motorcycle club urges caution after deadly crash

FARRAGUT, Tenn. (WATE) — On the corner of Kingston Pike and Jamestowne Boulevard in Farragut, lies a memorial to a life cut short in a deadly crash earlier this week, and the motorcycle community mourns. Blue Line LEMC is made up of retired law enforcement officials, and it is urging riders to stay safe. Its president, Todd Ethington, said, "You need to wear your DOT Helmet, your gloves, your protective gear, high viz material if you can, and boots." Now, the club is working to prepare drivers, whether they ride on two wheels or four wheels, showing them how they can safely share the roads. "Watch your blind spots. Give room to motorcycles, at least three [car lengths]," said Ethington. "Because you don't know what they're going to do, especially single riders." Jack Lakin of Blue Line LEMC teaches a method he calls WWF: Wiggle, watch, and flash. "If you're sitting in the car and you see the lights move a little bit, you go, oh, there's a motorcycle," said Lakin. "It just gets their attention." He said after wiggling the handlebar, motorcyclists should watch the wheels of both cars and trucks. "If that left front tire starts to rotate, start to brake," said Lakin. "Because that car doesn't see you or hasn't acknowledged you yet." If neither of those things work, motorcycle riders are advised to flash their lights. It could be the difference between life and death. "You know, I've been to a lot of motorcycle funerals," said Lakin. "Most of them could have been avoided." No matter who you ride with, you can only enjoy the journey if you reach your destination. "You'll see motorcycles always do signal to each other as we're driving by," said Lakin. "You see them do this where you take your hand and drop two fingers and all that means is, 'Hey, buddy, get home safe.'" Blue Line LEMC and other motorcycle clubs are encouraging people to stay safe, drive slowly, and enjoy the ride.