Motorcycle Safety

Last week, SEMCOG’s blog shared some highlights on biking in Southeast Michigan. However, we know that there’s another kind of cycling that people are revving up for throughout our region and state. Motorcycles are a significant means of transportation and source of recreation, especially as the weather warms.

Motorcycles, much like the other bikes, are a lot of fun and enable riders to experience Southeast Michigan in a unique way. Another similarity they share is that they are accompanied by safety challenges for both riders and auto drivers. This is why May is a great time to recognize the importance of motorcycle safety.

According to SEMCOG’s traffic crash data:

• There were 1,332 motorcycle-related crashes in Southeast Michigan in 2016, resulting in 57 rider fatalities.
• More than 72 percent of riders involved in a traffic crash suffered an injury or fatality, compared to less than 13 percent of occupants involved in all traffic crashes.
• Although motorcycle-related crashes represented less than one percent of all traffic crashes in the region, motorcyclist fatalities accounted for more than 13 percent of all traffic fatalities.

To help keep everyone safe on our roads, I encourage you to consider the following safety tips for drivers and riders from the National Safety Council.

Drivers: Learn to “Think Motorcycles”

Drivers often violate the space of motorcyclists because they are not looking out for them. There are several reasons for this:

• 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.

This month and throughout the year, drivers need to look out for motorcyclists and allow them the space they need to be safe.

Motorcyclists: Learn to Protect Yourself

• While Michigan does not require riders to wear helmets, they are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries for operators and 41 percent for passengers.
• 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; make sure it’s clear if riding at night.