May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month – a national initiative aimed at getting motorists and motorcyclists alike to conscientiously and courteously “share the road” with each other. Motorcycle crashes remain one of the most prevalent causes of death and injury on the road. According to the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, motorcyclists were 25 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash and five times more likely to be injured based on miles traveled in 2009.
With warmer temperatures, we can expect to see more motorcycles on the road. Motorcyclists, as well as motorists, must be aware of surroundings at all times. Here are a few safety guidelines when sharing the road:
• Be fully focused and aware when on the road, and be in control of your vehicle at all times.
• Always signal your intentions before turning or changing lanes.
• Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Show caution at intersections.
• Allow a large following distance.
• Motorcyclists: Stay visible. Wear brightly colored long sleeve upper body wear, and use a DOT-rated helmet. Wear riding gloves and boots. Avoid riding in poor weather conditions.
We hope you enjoy the warming Spring weather. Make sure to share the road with all vehicles, large and small. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Rutter Mills for a free consultation.