Motorcycle Safety Awareness: Share the Road Year-Round

It’s getting warmer and spring time is here, which means motorcyclists will be out in force. How many more motorcyclists, you ask? In 2013, there were almost 8½ million registered motorcycles, up from 5 million in 2002.  And, while motorcycles account for only 3% of all registered vehicles and a mere 0.7% of all vehicle miles traveled, the 4,668 motorcyclists killed in 2013 accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities. These numbers translate to a disturbing statistic: per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to be killed in a traffic crash than someone in a passenger car and five times more likely to be injured. That is why May is the perfect month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness.  However, we need to be alert to motorcyclists even more than just during the month of May. Fatal crashes with motorcycles are on the rise, and helmet usage is on the decline.

Motorcycles and Road Safety

There are a number of factors causing these alarming statistics. They include:

• Motorcyclists not wearing a DOT (Department of Transportation) -compliant helmet
• Speeding by the motorcyclist
• Operating while impaired by alcohol or other drugs, and
• Drivers of other vehicles not seeing the motorcycle

Forty-one percent of motorcyclists killed in 2013 were not wearing helmets; 34% were speeding; 28% were impaired with a BAC of .08 or higher; and, 42% of the two-vehicle fatal crashes involved a car turning left in front of a motorcycle.  Of course, there can be overlap between these factors.  For example, many of the impaired motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet.

It also is noteworthy that 25% of the motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were operating their motorcycles without a valid endorsement or motorcycle license.  While this is not a direct cause of the fatalities, it is an indication that the motorcyclists were not properly instructed or trained on motorcycle operation.

We Need a Comprehensive Approach

What is clear from all of the numbers is that motorcycle fatalities are a significant concern and, like so many traffic safety issues, it will take a comprehensive approach to make a difference.  It will take all motorcyclists wearing appropriate safety gear, including a DOT-compliant helmet and high visibility gear.  It will take motorcyclists not drinking and driving, just like every other driver on the road.  It will take novice and experienced riders to reacquaint themselves with their bike, and consider taking training courses on operating a motorcycle.  A significant percentage of new motorcycle registrations were bought by baby boomers (those born 1946-1964) with extra cash getting their dream motorcycle.  Many have not ridden in years, if at all.  But today’s motorcycles are larger and more powerful than 20 and 30 years ago, and there are more motor vehicles on the road.  With appropriate training, motorcyclists can learn to ride more safely; they can learn defensive riding techniques; and, if they are older, accept that their riding skills may have diminished because of age.

Motorcyclists are not the only ones who have to change their behavior. Other drivers must take the time and make the effort to actually be aware of their surroundings, including motorcycles sharing the road.  Motorcycles are smaller, thus harder to see and it is difficult to judge their speed.  We all must drive aware and alert. We all must take that extra moment to look for motorcyclists. Motorcycle safety awareness requires all of us to allow more distance when following a motorcycle, and for all of us to always signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic. Minor road conditions for a car, such as a pothole or pavement seams, can be a major hazard for a motorcycle, where the operator may have to react quickly to avoid the risk.

Remember – Share the Road!

“Share the Road” is a clear message that recognizes motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as drivers of any other motor vehicle on the road.  It is time that all of us recognize the significant role we play in motorcycle safety and saving lives.  May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the month where there is typically an initial surge in ridership across the country.  But it is not just May when motorcycle safety is critical; every day, of every month, of every year is a critical time for motorcycle safety.