May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Now that warm spring weather is here we see more motorcycles. We also hear them revving up beside us. I used to find that loud sound intimidating but now I know that for the most part they are loud so that we know they are there. Too often motorcycles are overlooked on the streets and highways. Car and motorcycle drivers must be more alert to one another to prevent accidents.
Drivers
- Always check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles
- Signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic
- Increase following distance behind motorcycles
- Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. They have the same right to lanes as other vehicles.
Motorcyclists
- Before you ride check tires, brakes, headlights and turn signals
- Be sure cargo is secure
- Always ride with a helmet and other safety attire. Helmets are 67% effective in preventing a brain injury and 37% effective in preventing death. When I see a cyclist without a helmet I immediately think, “Organ donor.”
- Make yourself visible. Keep your lights on and wear bright colors. Position yourself in the lane where other drivers can see you.
Both cyclists and other drivers must always follow traffic laws. Each should respect the rights of the other. Never ride or drive impaired.
Crooked Creek by Sue Mattingly 