Keep an Eye Out for Motorcycles

Did you know that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month? This is a national initiative aimed at getting motorists and motorcyclists to “share the road” with each other.

 A recent NHTSA report stated that motorcycles made up nearly 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States in 2007 and accounted for only 0.4% of all vehicle miles traveled. Per vehicle mile traveled in 2007, motorcyclists were about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in motor vehicle traffic crashes and 9 times more likely to be injured. This same report also found that motorcycles that were involved in 2 vehicle crashes were hit 77% of the time in the front while only 7% were struck from the rear. This number shows that most cars are in front of the motorcycle perhaps making a lane change or entering the roadway in front of the motorcycle.

So what can you do as a driver to avoid a crash with a motorcycle?

• Before making a lane change look over your shoulder and check your blind spot.
• If you are riding next a larger vehicle make an effort to move out of the blind spot making it easier for drivers to see you.
• Look twice to be sure you didn’t miss that bike on your first glance.

As a motorcycle driver these tips can help you avoid a crash:

• Be aware of driveways and side streets and be alert when cars are entering the roadway.
• If you are riding next to a larger vehicle make an effort to move out of the blind spot making you easy for drivers to see.
• Always ride with your headlight on for increased visibility. 

Evergreen Safety Council offers Motorcycle, Sidecar/Trike and Scooter Safety Training for all skill levels in 8 locations throughout King County.  For a full schedule or to register for a safety training class visit our website or contact our office 206-382-4090.

Article courtesy of ACTSOregon MAY edition of Traffic Safety Connection (pdf).