Here are important facts about Motorcycle Accident Prevention. Remember to Share the Road with Cyclists and Motorcycles.
As the weather gets warmer, many of us who own motorcycles are starting to ride once again after a long and brutal winter.
It is therefore timely to discuss the dangers and cautionary tips for both motorcycle riders and other motor vehicle operators. Tragically, this point has been highlighted by this past weekend’s death of two motorcycle riders and the injury of two others in Stratford.
The following statistic underscores the dangers of motorcycle operation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007 motorcycles comprised approximately 3 percent of all registered motor vehicles and accounted for only 0.4 percent of all miles traveled, but per mile traveled, motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to die in an accident and 9 times more likely to be injured.
So what are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and how can they be avoided? These risks include:
Left hand turns are one of the most prevalent and dangerous situations that confront a motorcycle operator and occur when another motor vehicle turns into the path of the motorcycle.
Less Traveling Experience or Unlicensed Operation: Many first time and less experienced motorcycle operators do not have sufficient training or experience to properly operate a motorcycle, and some operate a motorcycle without a proper license.
Negligence on the part of the car or truck drivers: Due to their relatively small size and the fact that they are easily hidden behind cars and trucks, motorcycles are much more difficult to see than other motor vehicles -- inattentive motor vehicle operators sometimes cause an accident.
Reckless or Negligent Behavior on the part of the motorcyclist: Irresponsible behavior such as speeding, drinking and driving, unsafe lane changes and reckless driving magnify the risks of an accident.
The ways to reduce motorcycle accidents and/or injuries include:
Be mindful of your surroundings. As a motorcyclist you need to be ever vigilant of other motor vehicle operators, animals or roadway hazards;
As operators of cars and trucks we should be mindful of the fact that more and more motorcyclists will be sharing the roads with us and we should be hyper vigilant in paying attention to those around us;
Protective Gear and Reflective Clothing. Although Connecticut has a partial helmet law which requires those younger than 18 years old to wear a helmet the need to stress how a helmet can reduce your risk of any injury must be underscored. Additionally bright and/or reflective clothing increases the opportunity to be seen by others; and
Avoid risking or reckless behavior as a motorcyclist. Due to the less protective nature and instability of a motorcycle it is extremely important that all motorcycle operators exhibit extreme care and caution when operating their motorcycles.
By understanding the perils and great risks associated with the operation of a motorcycle and the caution needed to be used by other motor vehicle operators we can reduce the number of fatal accidents and injuries which occur on our roadways.
