May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Spring is in full swing and around the country, motorcyclists are returning to the road after a long winter. But with a sudden spike in the number of motorcycles on the road, it’s a good time to remind all motorists, whether on two wheels or four, to keep a special lookout for motorcyclists.
That’s why May is recognized as National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a time for drivers to be reminded to share the road with motorcycles, and riders to be reminded to make themselves more visible to others.
Most motorcyclists are fully aware of the risks they undertake when riding, but a look at the statistics will still open a lot of eyes and stress how serious an issue motorcycle safety is.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycles account for just 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States in 2011, yet motorcyclists account for 14% of all traffic fatalities. Looking at accident rates per vehicle mile travelled, NHTSA estimates motorcyclists are 30 times more likely than car passengers to die in a crash and five times more likely to be injured.
A separate report by the Governors Highway Safety Association estimates a total of 5,027 motorcycle fatalities from traffic accidents in 2012, a 9% increase from the year before. Many of those deaths could have been prevented if motorists were more mindful of safety.
Here are some articles highlighting different aspects of motorcycle safety. Give them a read, and then share them with others and help making riding safer for everyone.
The American Culture of Motorcycle Safety It’s ironic that while our machines are practically one step removed from Star Wars technology, the culture surrounding their use is one step removed from the Wild West. | ||
Rider Education, Injuries and Fatalities Whether you have decades of experience or are a newbie, it pays to realistically size up this activity called “riding a motorcycle,” and to look at yourself as a lifelong learner. | ||
What to Wear When You Ride - and Why Just because you are free to ride your motorcycle or scooter in the U.S. with hardly enough clothing for a beach party does not mean it’s a good idea. | ||
The SEE System: Increasing Your Visibility If there were ever a need to be proactive, assertive and in control, it is while riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists and scooter riders are arguably the most vulnerable motor vehicle operators on the road. | ||
How Well Do You Know Your Motorcycle? There was a time when being a motorcyclist also meant being a mechanic – or at least being mechanically inclined. |
Visit our Rider Training and Safety page for more tips about safe riding.
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