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‘Share the Road’ this riding season
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05/29/15 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – “Wearing a helmet is one of the most important ways for motorcyclists to stay safe, but we all play a part,” said Lt. Kevin Miller, Ohio State Highway Patrol Granville Post Commander and member of the Licking County Safe Communities Coalition. “It’s up to all motorists and motorcyclists to make our roads safer.”
The Licking County Safe Communities Coalition reminds motorists and motorcyclists alike to share the road in order to help prevent motorcycle crashes, deaths and injuries on Licking County roads. Riding season typically begins in March and goes through September, and includes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May.
“All road users need to share the responsibility of keeping the roadways safe,” said Miller. “By following road signs, obeying speed limits, and always staying focused on the road, deaths could be prevented.”
According to a 2014 news release from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), preliminary data shows a decrease in motorcyclist fatalities for the second straight year. GHSA also points out that even with the positive projection, there is more work to be done in motorcycle safety. According to the latest Spotlight on Highway Safety report, motorcyclist fatalities are 26 percent higher than a decade ago, while other motor vehicle fatalities are 28 percent lower.
There have been many improvements made to passenger vehicles that have contributed to the decrease in motor vehicle fatalities. Improvements to motorcycle safety rely more on state laws and behavioral changes to save more lives of motorcyclists, according to Carrie Minor, Safe Communities Coordinator at the Licking County Health Department.
“It’s important throughout riding season, for both motorists and motorcyclists to get the message to share the road in order to decrease crashes for all road users,” said Minor.
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The coalition suggest the following 12 tips for a safer motorcycle riding season:
To prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:
- Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times. Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist.
- Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful; motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
- Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
- Always allow more follow distance – three to four seconds – when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
- Never drive distracted or impaired.
To increase motorcyclists’ safety:
- Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
- Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
- Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
- Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
- Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
- Never ride distracted or impaired.
“By following basic safety rules, we can all help prevent crashes,” said Miller. “Our message is for all drivers and riders – share the responsibility of keeping our roads safe and always share the road.”
For more information on motorcycle safety visit http://www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/.
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“The Licking County Health Department serves more than 160,000 citizens in the Licking County General Health District by preventing disease, protecting the environment and promoting healthy lifestyles with a vision of healthy people living in healthy communities.”
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