Motorcycle Safety Awareness

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Motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the roadway. During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May – and during the rest of the year – drivers of all other vehicles and all road users are reminded to safely "share the road" with motorcyclists, and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.

Ten Things All Motorist Should Know

  1. Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Most of the time, the car or truck driver, not the motorcyclist, is at fault. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle – they ignore it (usually unintentionally).
  2. Because of its narrow profile, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to look for motorcycles, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
  3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
  4. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
  5. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

  6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.
  7. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
  8. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because you can’t always stop “on a dime.”
  9. When a motorcycle is in motion, see more than the motorcycle – see the person under the helmet, who could be your friend, neighbor, or relative.
  10. If a driver crashes into a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian and causes serious injury, the driver would likely never forgive himself/herself.

Did you know?

  • 4,957 motorcyclists were killed in 2012 – a 7% increase from 2011.
  • Use of DOT-compliant helmets remained at 60% in 2013, unchanged from 2012.
  • Motorcycle helmets do not interfere with the rider’s vision or hearing.
  • Alcohol affects those skills essential to riding a motorcycle – balance and coordination. So it plays a particularly big role in motorcycle fatalities.
  • Statistics show that the percentage of intoxicated motorcycle riders in fatal crashes is greater than the percentage of intoxicated drivers on our roads. This is why NHTSA urges all motorcycle riders to always ride smart and sober.

Ride Responsibly

Experienced riders know local traffic laws – and they don’t take risks. Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings; ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles; and always check behind you and signal before you change lanes. Remember to ride defensively. The majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes generally are caused when other drivers simply didn’t see the motorcyclist. Proceed cautiously at intersections and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles as appropriate. You can increase your visibility by applying reflective materials to your motorcycle and by keeping your motorcycle’s headlights on at all times, even using high beams during the day.

Before You Ride

The safe operation of a motorcycle requires different skill and knowledge than is needed for a passenger car.

  • Never ride without a certified motorcycle helmet and eye protection – Insist on a helmet that has a DOT label.
  • Read your owner’s manual thoroughly – use it to get familiar with your motorcycle.
  • Attend a motorcycle rider-training course – it is the best way to learn how to operate a motorcycle safely and skillfully.
  • Wear the right shoes, gloves, and clothing – Thick, protective garb not only provides comfort against the elements, but also may be all there is between you and the pavement in a crash.
  • Remember that a motorcyclist must abide by the same traffic rules and regulations as other motorist.
  • Be aware that riding with a passenger requires more skill than riding alone.
  • Obtain your learner’s permit or motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license before you venture to the streets.
  • Never drink and ride.

Driving Tips

  • Treat other motorist with courtesy and respect
  • Avoid tailgating
  • Avoid riding between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic.
  • Know and obey traffic laws.
  • Use signals when appropriate.
  • Be alert at intersections – 50% of motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur there.
  • Check rearview mirrors before changing lanes or stopping.
  • Watch road surface and traffic ahead to anticipate problems or road hazards.
  • Position yourself to be seen.
  • Use your headlights, day and night.
  • For more motorcycle safety, visit: NHTSA Motorcycles

Sources: National Highway traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gove), Motorcycle Safety Foundation (www.msf-usa.org)