May is Motorcycle Awareness Month!

I wanted to make a post as May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Some simple statistics:

  • Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle drivers in the event of a crash.
  • Research shows that approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car crashes injure or kill a motor vehicle driver or passenger

MAM Endangered List Poster As a “motorcycle enthusiast” I have a vested interest in every vehicle driver being aware of those of us who ride on two wheels. I have found that, for the most part, people keep a polite distance between their bumper and my rear. This gives us both a “space cushion” in case something were to happen and I end up on the pavement like I did last year.
As a motorcyclist, with minimal metal protections like a car, I am always appreciative of the gesture.

The situation that concerns me more than the vehicle behind me is where a car in the oncoming lane is attempting to turn left across the lane I am traveling on. Statistics have shown time and again that this scenario is one of the most dangerous to motorcyclists. It is easy for the driver of a car to become distracted (cell phone, adjusting radio, talking to passengers, ad nauseam) and never “see” that motorcycle traveling in the lane they are about to cross is there. The most common comment from vehicle drivers involved in an accident with a motorcyclist is “I never saw them.”

Those of us who take the various riding courses available are taught techniques to improve our visibility. Techniques such as wearing bright colored clothing and helmets (not every motorcyclist is a “black on black” – black leather chaps & vest – rider), shifting our lane position from time to time so that you can see us in different mirrors which reminds you that we’re back there, having strobe headlights/taillights, and other tricks.

The most powerful tool out there for motorcyclists is just a general overall awareness by automobile drivers. In other words if the thought “is there a motorcycle there?” crosses your mind as you lane change, merge or cross a lane of traffic then you are doing the absolute most you can to help keep we motorcyclists safe.

For all of you willing to do this, on behalf of motorcyclists everywhere, our sincerest thanks.

I’d also like to share several important tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways

  • Remember: a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway.  Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane;
  • Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections;
  • Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic;
  • Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not 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 other vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists;
  • Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars
  • Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too, by following the rules of the roadway, being alert to other drivers, as well as wearing DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear.
  • All too often after a crash, the drivers of other vehicles involved say they never saw the motorcyclist and were unable to respond in time.  This is no excuse.  Too many crashes are occurring and too many lives are being lost

Of course, no one has forced anyone, myself included, to ride on two wheels. I am aware that I choose a mode of transportation that puts me in a more vulnerable position than the person who rides solely in a car.

That choice is not your problem.

However I want you to know how much I (and other motorcyclists) appreciate those of you who care enough to put effort in to being aware that we motorcyclists are out there on the road with you.

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May 4, 2009 · Filed Under Biker, General

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