 |   |
| Send FReepmail if you want on/off FMH list | |
| The List of Ping Lists | |
Posted on 05/01/2023 7:16:03 AM PDT by BraveMan
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and AAA Western and Central New York is reminding drivers and bikers of safety tips as biking season is upon us — as soon as the weather permits.
The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that fatal motorcycle crashes are on the rise:
5,932 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2021, the highest number since 1975 Motorcycle fatalities increased 9 percent in 2021 compared to 2020 (5,579 fatalities in 2020) Fatal motorcycle crashes accounted for 14 percent of all crashes in 2021 According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the number of on-road motorcycles registered in the U.S. doubled from 4.3 million in 2002, to 8.6 million in 2021 AAA continues its efforts to advocate for traffic safety, hoping to reduce crashes as everyone does their part to safely share the road.
The agency says most multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur when drivers simply didn’t see the motorcyclist. For drivers, there are some things to keep in mind:
Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcyclists before entering or leaving lanes of traffic and at intersections Signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic Allow enough time to determine a motorcyclist's intention before changing lanes or merging Increase following distance behind motorcycles Never try to share a lane with motorcycles Some things for motorcyclists to keep in mind:
Check tire pressure and tread depth Make sure brakes, headlights, and signal indicators are working Make sure cargo is secured and balanced; if needed, adjust suspension and tire pressure to accommodate the extra weight Always ride with a helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (there is a “DOT” symbol on the back) Wear other protective gear, such as gloves, a jacket, and pants Make yourself visible by keeping your lights on, wear bright colors, and use reflective tape, Position yourself in the lane where drivers can see you Follow traffic laws and combine hand signals with turn signals Never ride impaired: 27 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2020 involved alcohol (according to NHTSA) AAA wishes everyone a safe Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month!
Don’t forget to carry a can of electrons just in case. A couple of 5 gallon jerri cans would probably be okay.
| |
| Send FReepmail if you want on/off FMH list | |
| The List of Ping Lists | |
We saw a wreck about a month ago where a biker hit the broadside of a Ford pickup, one of those all aluminum body models.
The biker hit the bed right at the rear wheel and split the bed open.......................
Due to lack of money my trike is for sale if anyone is interested.
Breaks my heart but I’ve no choice.
1- Ride like everyone is out to get you.
2- Look like you eat nails for breakfast.
The VAST majority of motorcycle-automobile incidents is caused by the automobile driver “NOT SEEING” the motorcycle.
Faster or slower make NO difference when clown-boy driving the car turns left in front of the motorbike.
While waiting to turn at an intersection, a buddy of mine was rear-ended and KILLED by an idiot “NOT SEEING” him on a full dress Honda Goldwing.
Condescending comments like “maybe you could slow down” are asinine and ignorant.
Helpful reminders, thanks!
As for all you non-bikers commenting, well, there’s plenty of ways to go. If on a bike is my way to go, at least I’ll be doing what I love.
Stay safe out there FRiends!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.