Rising toll shows need for motorcycle safety
The thrill of riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating, but it carries a risk that cannot be ignored.
Bicycles are not the only ‘share the road’ concern this month. May is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month as declared by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania State Police.
State police and local police departments are all too familiar with the tragedies of motorcycle crashes. There were more than 3,400 crashes involving motorcycles on Pennsylvania roadways in 2020, resulting in 217 fatalities. Crashes rose by more than 300 from the 2019 number of 2,977, while fatalities also rose from 174 in 2019.
Some of that increase may be attributed to the effects of the pandemic, that caused more people to turn to motorcycling as a sport that could be enjoyed as a solitary rider outdoors, staying safe from COVID-19 transmission. But what was safe from the scourge of the pandemic was not necessarily safe from highway hazards, as the statistics show.
Motorcycling carries with it a risk of serious injury or death in a crash — a reminder that safe practices among both riders and other motorists is critical.
“As more and more people enjoy the fun and excitement of motorcycling, we want to remind both motorcyclists and motorists to share the road safely,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Staying aware while driving or riding, obeying speed limits and being responsible will help keep fatalities and injuries as low as possible.”
“Remember to slow down, don’t drink and ride, and keep yourself upright and ready for the next riding adventure,” said Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “All levels of motorcycle riders are encouraged to enroll in a free safety training class and refresh their skills or even learn a new technique.”
PennDOT has contracted with several third-party motorcycle training providers to offer free motorcycle safety training classes to Pennsylvania class M permit and motorcycle license holders. Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Motorcycle permit holders who complete a 3-wheel basic course will earn a motorcycle license with restriction prohibiting the operation a of 2-wheel motorcycle.
Additionally, PennDOT offers a virtual motorcycle training course for individuals under 18 who are required by law to complete a department-approved motorcycle safety course before they can take the skills test and obtain their motorcycle license. To schedule or for more information on this course, visit www. penndot.gov/PAMSP.
Some safety tips motorists should remember when sharing the road with motorcycles include:
• Watch for motorcycles: motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections.
• Allow more following distance.
• 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.
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 DOT-approved helmet.
• Use common sense by riding sober, obeying all speed limits and allowing enough time to react to potentially dangerous situations.
• Know your motorcycle and conduct a pre-ride check.
• Practice safe riding techniques and know how to handle your motorcycle in adverse road and weather conditions.
The thrill of riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating as well as an efficient and valued way to get around. But it carries a risk that cannot be ignored. Motorcycle safety is a concern for both those riding and the motorists around them. This month has been designated as a reminder, but the importance of safety to save lives goes beyond a calendar designation. Watch, take care and follow the safety laws and guidelines. Lives depend on it.