Feature
May
05
Share the Road for Motorcycle Safety
by Weekly Staff
In recognition of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month a campaign called “Share the Road” is a national initiative aimed at getting motorists to share the road with each other. Recent data indicates that deaths and injuries attributable to motorcycle crashes are becoming a larger portion of a grave public health problem.
Now that warmer weather is around the corner and motorcyclists are out in force throughout the country, motorists are reminded to look out for and “share the road” with motorcycle riders. In an effort to protect themselves, motorcyclists are reminded to follow the rules of the road and to wear safety helmets and other protective gear.
Anyone planning to use roadways are reminded to never drive, ride, bike or walk while distracted. By increasing safe riding and cooperation between all pedistrians, motorists and motorcyclists, we can reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways.
“Share the Road”
It’s crucial that motorists and bicyclists always make visual checks for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. Pedestrians should also scan for motorcyclists who might be hidden by other traffic.
Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too. They should follow the rules of the road, be alert to other drivers, never ride while impaired or distracted and always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and other protective gear. A motorcyclist is much more vulnerable than a passenger vehicle occupant in the event of a crash. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in traffic crashes.
Here are tips for motorists to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:
- Road users are reminded to never drive, bike or walk while distracted. Doing so can result in tragic consequences for motorcyclists.
- A motorcycle has the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the roadway.
- Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
- Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. A motorcycle has a much smaller profile than a vehicle, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
- Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
- Remember that a motorcyclist can be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to its smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
- Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle - motorcycle signals may not be self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
- Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to motorists can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders may change speed or adjust position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement.
Allow for a three to four second following distance when foolwong a motorcycle so the motorcycle rider has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
Motorcyclist Deaths Are Rising
- Over 90 percent of all fatal two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle occurred on non-interstate roadways.
- Approximately 50 percent of all fatal two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle were intersection crashes.
- In 2008, there were 2,387 two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. In 41 percent of these crashes, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing or overtaking the vehicle. Both vehicles were going straight in 28 percent of the crashes.
The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: make this the first year in recent years when motorcycle fatalities do not increase. Help to share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”
