May is designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month, a time when we remind drivers to be vigilant and watchful of motorcyclists on the road. As the weather gets warmer, more and more motorcyclists take to the roads, making it important for all drivers to be aware of their presence and take extra precautions to keep them safe. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the importance of Motorcycle Awareness Month and what drivers can do to help keep motorcyclists safe on the road.
Why Motorcycle Awareness Month Matters
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation for many people, but they are also more vulnerable than other vehicles on the road. Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles offer little protection for their riders in the event of a crash. This means that motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury or death in a collision.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are approximately 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash. In addition, motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in recent years, with more than 5,000 motorcyclists killed in crashes in 2019 alone.
Given these statistics, it's clear that motorcycle safety is a critical issue that requires the attention of all drivers. Motorcycle Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about this issue and encourage drivers to take extra precautions when sharing the road with motorcyclists.
How Drivers Can Help Keep Motorcyclists Safe
So, what can drivers do to help keep motorcyclists safe on the road? Here are a few tips:
- Look Twice Before Turning or Changing Lanes
Motorcycles can be more difficult to see than other vehicles, especially in busy traffic. That's why it's important to take an extra moment to check your mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Look twice to make sure there are no motorcycles nearby.
- Give Motorcycles Plenty of Space
Motorcycles need more space on the road than cars or trucks. They may need to swerve to avoid obstacles or make sudden stops, so it's important to give them plenty of room to maneuver. Make sure to maintain a safe following distance and avoid tailgating.
- Use Turn Signals and Brake Lights
Communicating your intentions to other drivers is important on the road, and it's especially important when sharing the road with motorcyclists. Make sure to use your turn signals and brake lights to signal your movements and help motorcyclists anticipate your actions.
- Be Patient and Respectful
Motorcycles may not be able to keep up with the speed of traffic or maneuver through tight spaces as easily as other vehicles. Be patient and allow them the space they need to navigate safely. Don't honk, tailgate, or make aggressive maneuvers around motorcycles.
- Spread the Word
Finally, one of the most important things you can do to help keep motorcyclists safe is to spread the word about Motorcycle Awareness Month. Share information about the campaign on social media, talk to your friends and family about the importance of motorcycle safety, and encourage others to take the pledge to be an aware and responsible driver.
All that being said, we as riders must be more vigilant in keep ourselves safe. Here are some tips for riders to keep in mind while on the road this riding season.
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Wear protective gear: A helmet is the most important piece of protective gear a motorcyclist can wear, as it can significantly reduce the risk of head injury in the event of an accident. Additionally, wearing appropriate clothing such as jackets, pants, gloves, and boots made of protective materials can help reduce the severity of injuries.
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Be visible: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars, so it's important for motorcyclists to make themselves as visible as possible. This can be done by wearing bright or reflective clothing, using lights and turn signals, and positioning themselves in the lane where they are most visible to other drivers.
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Follow traffic laws: Motorcyclists should obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, signal turns, and stop at red lights and stop signs. This will make it easier for other drivers to predict their movements and avoid collisions.
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Stay alert: Motorcyclists should always be aware of their surroundings, paying attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, and road conditions. They should avoid distractions such as using their phone, listening to music, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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Get proper training: Motorcyclists should take a training course to learn how to handle their motorcycle properly, including how to brake and maneuver in emergency situations. This can help prevent accidents and make them better riders overall.
By following these guidelines, motorcyclists can increase their safety on the roads and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Here's a link from our friends at MMIC for some more tips:
https://mmic.ca/rider-information/may-is-motorcycle-safety-awareness-month/?utm_source=socialmedia&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=Safety+Month
Motorcycle Awareness Month is an important campaign that highlights the need for drivers and riders to be vigilant and watchful while on the road. By taking a few simple precautions, drivers can help keep motorcyclists safe and prevent accidents. So, let's all do our part to make the roads a safer place for everyone!