Lookout for motorcycles

Dayton police are urging motorists to be cautious of motorcycles as the weather gets warmer.

“Motorcycle safety is important especially this time a year,” said Dyan Thomas, a Dayton police officer on the department’s motorcycle unit. “We’re getting into the season where more and more motorcycles are out so we want to make sure that people are aware they are there.”

Thomas urged drivers in cars, trucks or other large vehicles to take “the extra look” and do a head check before switching lanes. Be on the lookout for something smaller than a car such as a motorcycle.

She also encouraged motorcyclists to drive defensively, make sure you are seen by not lingering in car blind spots and leave extra space for yourself to make an emergency exit if not seen.

Wearing protective gear, such as a helmet, gloves and boots, while on a motorcycle is another step motorcyclist can take to protect themselves.

“You want to try to protect as best as you can for the crash that you may experience,” Thomas said. “Dress for the slide not for the ride.”

This warning comes after a fatal motorcycle accident in Dayton on June 12 and another one earlier this month.

“You don’t have the safety features like airbags or seat belts that are going to help protect you in a crash so there is a whole lot more to lose if you’re on a motorcycle which is one of the reasons why we want people to be more defensive,” said Thomas.

JULIA PUCCI, STAFF WRITER