Brookhaven High School Driver Education students receivedmotorcycle safety information Tuesday from the Gold Wing RoadRiders Association International Couple of the Year.

Bob and Jaunee Barrington, of Yazoo City, competed against othercouples in the organization from their district, state, region, theUnited States and 51 countries worldwide to be named theinternational couple of the year for GWRRA. The couple visited BHSTuesday as part of a campaign to promote motorcycle safety amongboth bike riders and car and truck drivers.

“People don’t look for things besides cars and trucks.Motorcycles are small. You have to look for them,” said BobBarrington, 69. “And motorcycles need to do what they can to makethemselves more visible.”

Bright colors and a lot of lights are two of the ways riders canenhance their visibility, he said.

The Barringtons displayed a variety of specialized clothingdesigned to keep riders cool, warm or dry while riding in inclementweather.

After a brief question and answer period, students viewed thecouple’s Gold Wings and the many bike features designed to enhancesafety and comfort during long rides. Many of the features were notstock items, but were added by the couple.

In introducing the couple, Brookhaven School DistrictSuperintendent Lea Barrett said she was not promoting motorcycleusage among students, but wanted those who were interested in bikesto know the safety rules for riding them. She admitted she owned amotorcycle and enjoyed riding cross country whenever possible.

Aside from the motorcycle safety, Driver Education InstructorRandy Spring said the couple was also a good example to students ofwhat good career and financial planning choices could do forthem.

“They’re retired and doing what they want to do,” he said. “Youget yourself in that position by making good decisions early inlife.”

Juanee Barrington, 68, agreed.

“I never dreamed you could have this kind of life afterretirement,” she said of the couple’s travels across the UnitedStates. “We are having the time of our lives.”