The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) is urging all road users to look around, check your mirrors, and consciously watch for motorcycles during Motorcycle Awareness Month in May 2012. This month’s outreach is an annual effort by the motorcycling community, particularly since in many states like Ohio few motorcycles were on the road in the winter and early spring months.
"Motorcyclists take to the highways in large numbers every spring, and it's the responsibility of all road users to acknowledge us safely and attentively," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "This is why many states and local governments officially promote motorcycle awareness during the month of May.”
"Unfortunately, many road users are not always mindful of those with whom they share the road, and an annual reminder is helpful for them to recognize the flow of motorcycles in traffic, and make an extra efforts to watch for motorcycles," Dingman said.
"One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is the fact that drivers don't see motorcycles," he said. "Simply put, drivers tell themselves to watch for cars, trucks, buses and pedestrians, but they don't tell always themselves to watch for motorcycles. We want to change that."
Drivers can avoid crashes with motorcyclists by taking extra care to watch for motorcyclists, especially at intersections, respecting the motorcyclists' space on the road and by not following too closely.
"If all drivers would make a conscious effort to look twice before turning left across the oncoming lane of traffic at an intersection, crashes could be prevented and lives would be saved," Dingman said.
For motorcyclists, the AMA strongly encourages the use of personal protective equipment — including gloves, sturdy footwear and a properly fitted motorcycle helmet certified by its manufacturer to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation standard — as part of a comprehensive motorcycle safety program to help reduce injuries and fatalities in the event of a motorcycle crash.
The AMA has long encouraged local and state governments to maintain or increase funding for motorcycle rider education and motorist awareness programs — two highly effective strategies to reduce the likelihood of motorcycle crashes.
The AMA says they have also successfully lobbied for a new study into the causes of motorcycle crashes, which will be the first such comprehensive research in 30 years. The Federal Highway Administration has undertaken a crash causation study at the Oklahoma Transportation Center, an independent and well-respected transportation research facility at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. The study is expected to conclude in a year or two.
The following tips can help drivers help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:
- Remember the 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;
- Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind 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 can increase their own safety by:
- Avoid riding in poor weather conditions.
- Wearing brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet;
- Using turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it;
- Combining hand and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves;
- Using reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity; and
- Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers.
You can learn more about the AMA by clicking here. More safety tips and information is available by clicking here and visiting the NHTSA.
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