Motorcycle Safety Awareness

Pictured from left to right are Terri Aydelott, James Aydelott, Tim Ingram, Kirk Allen, Dominic Cresimano, Doris Black, Lee Loyd, Doyle Black and Jesus Torres.

Last week Sheriff Tim Ingram was visited by members of the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) about Motorcycle Safety Awareness. "We appreciated their visit," said Sheriff Ingram, "and would like to remind everyone that the upcoming month of May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.

As the warmer weather moves in you will see more and more motorcycles on the road. Safe riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways..

TIPS FOR MOTORISTS
• Do not drive distracted. Road users should never drive, bike, or walk while distracted. Doing so can result in tragic consequences for all on the road, including motorcyclists.
• If you are turning at an intersection, and your view of oncoming traffic is partially obstructed, wait until you can see around the obstruction, sufficiently scan for all roadway users (pedestrians and motorcyclists included), and proceed with caution. Slow your decision-making process down at intersections.
• Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width. Though it may seem as if there is enough room in a single lane for a motor vehicle and a motorcycle, looks can be deceiving. Share the road, but not the lane: a motorcyclist needs room to maneuver safely.
• Because motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, they can be difficult to see. Their size can also cause other drivers to misjudge their speed and distance.
• Size also counts against motorcycles when it comes to blind spots. Motorcyclists can be easily hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Always look for motorcycles by checking your mirrors and blind spots before switching to another lane of traffic.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows motorcyclists to anticipate your movement and find a safe lane position.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle—it may not be self-canceling and the motorcyclist may have forgotten to turn it off. Wait to be sure the rider is going to turn before you proceed.
• Allow more follow distance – three or four seconds – when following a motorcycle; this gives the motorcycle rider more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. Motorcycle riders may suddenly need to change speed or adjust lane position to avoid hazards such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.

TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and use reflective tape and gear to be more visible.
• Never ride while impaired or distracted—it is not worth the risk of killing or injuring yourself or someone else.
• Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
• Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
• Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.