Two Wheeler Awareness

Good Morning Team!

May is a very busy month for numerous nationwide organizations in awareness and safety. National Electrical Safety Month, Clean Air Month, Trauma Awareness Month, National Water Safety Month, National Child Passenger Safety Month, Mental Health Month, and Better Hearing Month are just a few of the those so named by these various organizations. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has named May as Motorcycle Safety Month which also coincides with the League of American Bicyclists and their National Bike Month. These two are the focus of today’s safety message. First, let’s look at a few numbers concerning the motorcycle and bicycle.

There were over 8 million motorcycles registered in the US in 2017. Bicyclists in the US in 2017 were estimated at 47.5 million people. Over 5200 fatalities in accidents involving motorcycles were recorded in the US in 2016. That was a 5.1% increase in the numbers from 2015 and was the second highest number of fatalities recorded in over two decades. Bicycle fatalities average 600-800 yearly, though 2016 saw a spike of 840 deaths. Preliminary results of more recent data suggest that these numbers for both groups have fallen slightly, but remain significant. Remember though, these are the accidents that resulted in fatalities. In 2017, the estimated number of accidents involving motorcycles was more than 125,000 and more than 45,000 for those involving bicycles.

Regardless of the numbers, it is easy to understand that an accident on either of these two-wheeled devices will expose their riders to significant chance of injury or death. I should also mention that more and more scooters and motorized skateboards seem to be showing up on our streets. Therefore, it is vitally important for all of us to step up our awareness of these vehicles and share the roads responsibly. Here are just a few things for us 4, or more, wheeled drivers to watch out for:

• Stop behind the crosswalk or actual stop sign! While this is good for pedestrians as well, bicyclists often use the sidewalk and can be found traveling both ways. Whether or not this is actually considered legal in your area, you still don’t want to see anybody hurt do you? Besides, in most cases, it is actually against the law for you not to stop prior to the crosswalk or stop sign.  
• Look first and then look again. Prior to proceeding from a stop sign, always look both ways and include that sidewalk. Try actually thinking about motorcycles and bicycles when doing so as they just don’t stand out the same way as other vehicles on the road and are often not noticed.
• Always check twice and remain wary when switching lanes on a multilane road. Some states allow motorcycles to split the lane and they can be seen moving between slower moving vehicles on these roads. Again, whether it is legal for them to do so or not, I just can’t imagine wanting to cause another human being significant injury or death.
• Give bicyclists their due. Allow at least 3 feet of distance from them when passing and never pass one and immediately turn right! If you can’t give them at least three feet before passing slow down and wait until you can. Always yield to oncoming bikes before turning left. Whether there is a designated lane for bicyclists or not, they still have the right to use the road. Be aware of those bike lanes that do exist and never use them to drive on or park your own vehicle.
• Be especially aware when driving through residential neighborhoods! Always be wary of children riding or those riding in groups as they can be unpredictable.
• Remain focused on your driving. It’s the only thing you should be doing when you’re behind the wheel! Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Here are a few things for you motorcycle and bicycle riders to keep in mind:

• Wear a helmet. Whether a requirement or not in your state, there are a large percentage of fatalities and injuries caused from riders hitting their heads during an accident. Much like a seatbelt saves lives in a motor vehicle accident, wearing a helmet significantly reduces injuries to the head and brain. Eye protection is usually a requirement, but you should always protect them in any case. Consider wearing a reflective vest.
• Obey the rules of the road. You have as much right to use the road as any other vehicle but are bound by the same rules and regulations as they are. Stop at all signs and lights. Also obey the posted speed limits. When legally lane splitting, remember that it still does not allow you to speed. Signal your intentions and make sure your head and tail lamps are operational.
• Pat attention and drive defensively! Watch out for other drivers and especially those getting ready to turn left or right. No matter who has the right-of-way, you are the one most likely to get hurt in an accident. Also watch out for pedestrians who may not see or hear you coming.
• Keep an eye on the roads surface. Wet pavement, sand, debris, bumps, railroad tracks and other roadway hazards will affect you and your two wheels more than they will the four wheeled vehicle.
• Keep both hands on the handle bars. Keep your hands free by securely stowing items in saddlebags or racks designed for the purpose. Never overload these types of vehicles.
• Remain focused on the safe operation of whatever you are riding. It is the only thing you should be doing. Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

With all the nice weather, here in the Wichita area anyway, more and more folks are getting out on their motorcycles and bicycles to enjoy it and this requires us to be especially aware as we share the roadways with them. Let’s all be on the look-out for one another.

Have a very safe and productive week.