Motorcycle and Bike Safety Month
Drivers are encouraged to share the road in May as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and National Bike Month.
"As the weather gets warmer, more motorcyclists will be out on the road, so look out for their safety,” José Alberto Uclés, spokesperson for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.”When everyone obeys the rules of the road and shares the road responsibly, we all travel more safely.”
Driver awareness of bike riders and especially motorcycle riders is critical. According to NHTSA statistics, motorcyclists are 26 times as likely to die in traffic-related accidents as occupants of passenger vehicles.
The NHTSA and California Office of Traffic Safety offer some important reminders when it comes to sharing the road with cyclists and motorcycle riders.
For Passenger Vehicle & Truck Drivers:
- Check surroundings frequently. Cyclists and motorcycle riders can appear in a moment’s notice. Make a habit of checking mirrors as well as blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic and intersections. Look in your mirrors and check behind your vehicle when backing out of out of driveways and parking lots.
- Bicycles or motorcycles riders have all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow them the full width of a lane at all times.
- Check all mirrors and blind spots for bicycles and motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
- Signal your intentions. Alert motorcyclists and bike riders when changing lanes or merging with traffic by using signals. Avoid sudden lane changes.
- Are you following too closely? Maintaining a safe following distance is always important, especially with cyclists and motorcyclists. Recommended following distance is at least three to four seconds.
For cyclists & motorcycle riders:
- Wear brightly colored protective gear. Brightly-colored, reflective gear helps other drivers see you better. That is especially true at dawn, dusk and night.
- Use signal. Get in the habit of using hand and turn signals to draw attention before making a turn or lane change.
- Obey all traffic laws. Cyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as vehicle drivers. Failing to obey traffic laws puts all at greater risk for injury.
- Never drive distracted or impaired. Motorcyclists especially are 26 times as likely to die in traffic accidents as drivers of passenger vehicles.
- Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
- Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
Reference materials:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles