May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Safety is a constant theme of our Palouse Driver Education Campaign, but sometimes appropriate to bring the broad topic to a focus. The weather is getting better, and with May deemed National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by the National Safety Council, a conversation for two wheeled vehicles should be had. Here are some statistics and other talking points:

2016 Statistics

• Of all registered vehicles on US roads, motorcycles make up 3%.
• Motorcycle miles account for only .7% of all vehicle miles traveled in the US.
• 4,976 motorcycle riders and passengers died in crashes.
• Non-fatal injuries caused by crashes was upwards of 88,000.
• Of all traffic fatalities, motorcyclists accounted for 13%.
• 91% of motorcycle crash fatalities were male
• 26% of motorcycle crash fatalities were impaired by alcohol.
• Nearly half of all collisions occur at intersections.

Talking Safety to Riders

• Wear helmets marked by DOT, as they are guaranteed to meet safety standards set by law.
• Always use headlights.
• Wear appropriate clothing that is thick to prevent injury, and reflective to be easily seen.
• Don't speed so you can see and react to road hazards such as potholes, puddles, and gravel.
• Drive defensively and assume you can't be seen on the road.
• Be aware that riding with a passenger or any other added weight changes bike handling.

Talking Safety to Drivers

• Give adequate warning of lane switches with your blinker.
• Anticipate motorcycles' movements.
• Pay attention the vehicles in your surrounding area and be aware if you realize one seems to be missing.
• Double check blind spots.
• Don't drive distracted or drowsy and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Always use headlights.
• Be aware that with better weather comes more motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Statistics taken from NSC Injury Facts