Last Saturday, the temperature finally got over 70 degrees and many people were out and about enjoying the day. As I was driving around, I couldn’t help but see and hear all the motorcycles that were out on the road. I thought to myself that as the cost of gasoline continues to go up, there may be more and more motorcyclists out on the road. So, this is a good time to remember to be careful. In fact, May has been designated as Motorcycle Safety Awareness month.
Let me state the obvious – motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to crashes than other passenger vehicles. They are smaller and can be hidden in a driver’s blind spot. It is important that motorists always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic as well as at intersections.
Research shows that per vehicle mile traveled, the death rate for motorcyclists is nearly 40 times greater that for passenger car occupants. Three percent of all motorcycle crashes in 2010 in the SEMCOG region resulted in a fatality.
Not only should drivers be on the lookout for motorcyclists, but motorcyclists need to follow the rules of the roadway, be alert to other drivers, and always wear a helmet. It works both ways.
Let’s hope for many more beautiful days as the weather gets warm. Let’s enjoy them and enjoy them safely.
