Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire Department

2 weeks ago

In recognition of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, our colleagues at the National Safety Council reminds riders – and drivers – to do their part.

First, Some Stats

In 2017, 5,172 motorcycle riders and passengers died in crashes. Fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers have more than doubled in number since 1997.

Motorcycles make up 3% of all registered vehicles and only .6% of all vehicle miles traveled in the U.S.

Motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2017

Drivers: Do You Ever Think About Motorcycles?
The vast majority of vehicles on the road are not motorcycles. They're cars and vans and trucks. It's quite possible that as a driver you rarely think about motorcycles. Why do drivers often violate motorcyclists' right of way?

Motorcycles are relatively small and drivers don't see them

Drivers don't anticipate motorcycles' movements

The driver's view of the motorcyclist is obstructed, often by the vehicle's blind spots or other vehicles

The driver is distracted

Skill and Gear Can Protect You

A helmet is the most important equipment a biker can use. In 2017, 1,908 motorcyclists who died were not wearing a helmet. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries.

A full-coverage helmet offers the most protection

Look for the DOT sticker, which guarantees the helmet meets safety standards required by law

Never buy a used helmet; helmets are useless after they've been worn in a crash

Choose a bike that fits you; "supersport bikes" have driver death rates about four times that of cruisers or standard bikes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Invest in antilock brakes

New riders should take a motorcycle safety course, and experienced riders should take refresher courses after being off their bikes for a while

Know the rules of the road

Be aware that riding with a passenger requires considerably more skill

Never drink and ride

Drive defensively, especially at intersections, where half of all collisions occur

Watch for hazards like potholes, manhole covers, oil slicks, puddles, debris, railroad tracks and gravel

Assume you are invisible to other motorists and position yourself to be seen

Use headlights day and night

Be courteous; don't weave in and out of lanes, or ride on the shoulder or between lanes

Don't speed

Wear bright and/or reflective clothing that is durable and boots that cover the ankles

Wear goggles, glasses or use a face shield that is ventilated to prevent fogging, and make sure it's clear if riding at night

Other Resources
In closing, please check twice to save a life. Be aware and safe as you head on the road this summer. Remember the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers safety booklets, downloadable Rider Course handbooks, videos, quick tips, white papers and more. They also can help you find a motorcycle safety course near you. While, RideApart publishes its list of the 10 most common causes for motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them, complete with videos taken by helmet crash cams of what can go wrong. ... See MoreSee Less