St. Marys recognizes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
ST. MARYS - As Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month approaches in May, the City of St. Marys recently issued a proclamation recognizing safety efforts involving motorcycles.
Members of the Elk County Chapter of the Alliance of Bikers Towards Education (A.B.A.T.E) were in attendance during a recent St. Marys City Council meeting where St. Marys Mayor Lyle Garner read the proclamation.
“The safety of all motorists is an issue of the highest consequence and all highway users should unite in the safe sharing of roadways throughout the City and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” states the proclamation.
It also states, “motorcycle riding is a popular form of recreation and transportation for thousands of people across the nation, it is especially important that the citizens be aware of motorcycles in the streets and highways an recognize the importance of staying alert, practicing safe driving techniques, and promoting motorcycle safety.”
Also stated in the proclamation is that “during the month of May, the City of St. Marys and the Elk County A.B.A.T.E. Chapter will continue their advocacy of motorcycle safety. Therefore in recognition of the importance of motorcycle safety on our roads and highways, Mayor, along with the City Council proclaim May 2022 Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the City. I encourage all motorcyclists to continue their efforts to promote safety and motorcycle awareness and all drivers to share the road and respect the unique safety needs of motorcyclists.”
The proclamation was signed by Garner.
A.B.A.T.E. of PA is dedicated to protecting the individual rights of motorcyclists through political change, charitable works and public education. The group has been working towards motorcycle awareness and helping motorists since 1983.
PennDOT statistics show in 2022, there were 3,396 motorcycle crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 872 serious injuries and 217 deaths. Crashes fell by more than 200 from the 2021 number of 3,578, and fatalities also decreased from 230 in 2021. Currently, based on vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are killed 27 times more often than car occupants.
“This understates the danger because the occupancy rate of cars is about 1.4 times that of motorcycles. When the occupancy rates are considered, motorcyclists are fatally injured an astounding 38 times more often than car occupants,” as noted by PennDOT.
According to PennDOT, cars typically do not strike motorcycles. In 96% of fatal motorcycle crashes in the U.S., the motorcycle is the striking vehicle.
Pennsylvania Law requires anyone operating or riding a motorcycle must wear protective headgear unless they are age 21 or older and has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for two full years or has completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
In addition, the operator or an occupant
of a three-wheeled motorcycle or auto-cycle equipped with an enclosed cab is exempt from wearing a helmet.
The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program offers free motorcycle safety courses to Pennsylvania residents and active-duty military with a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and motorcycle permit.
Some safety tips motorists can keep in mind when sharing the road with motorcycles include:
•Watch for motorcycles: be aware that motorcycles
are small and may be difficult to see.
•Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections.
•Allow more following distance: leave at least four seconds when following a motorcycle.
•Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
•Respect a motorcycle as a full-size vehicle with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width as
the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions.
•Never drive
Motorcyclists can do their part to help avoid crashes by following some simple safety tips:
•Be seen by wearing reflective clothing and put reflective tape on your protective clothing and motorcycle. Also wear face or eye protection and a DOTapproved helmet.
•Use common sense by riding sober, obeying all speed limits and allowing enough time impaired.
to react to potentially dangerous situations.
•Know your motorcycle and conduct a preride check.
•Practice safe riding techniques and know how to handle your motorcycle in adverse road and weather conditions.