Drive safely to enjoy the rites of spring

Graduation parties, proms and motorcycle riding are rites of spring with one tragic thing in common: They are too often the setting for vehicle crashes that claim lives.

Statistics released last week by PennDOT underscore the dangers.

According to PennDOT, traffic deaths increased almost 9 percent in 2021 compared to 2020. Crashes involving a 16to 17-year-old driver almost doubled: 45 fatalities, up from 26 in 2020.

The risk level of teen drivers each year is emphasized as it relates to prom and graduation celebrations, where young drivers may be prone to ignore risks “just this one time” and drive after drinking or in a car with a number of passengers and distractions.

The PennDOT data for 2021 showed that crashes where a vehicle left the travel lane accounted for almost half of road fatalities. Speeding and impaired or distracted driving are the leading factors in these types of crashes.

Motorcyclist fatalities were up to 226, up from 217.

“Safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian in a press release. “Whether you are a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist, we can all do our part to prevent crashes and fatalities. Buckle up every time you are in a vehicle. Always cross the road at an intersection or crosswalk. Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle. Never drive, ride, or walk impaired or distracted. ”

PennDOT followed up on the fatalities report from last week with reminders for motorcycle safety.

“With both temperatures and the number of motorcycles travelling on Pennsylvania roadways on the rise, the [state] reminded drivers and motorcyclists to share the road, obey traffic laws and watch out for one another throughout the riding season,” Gramian said in a release.

There were 3,578 crashes involving motorcycles on Pennsylvania roadways in 2021, resulting in 226 fatalities. Crashes rose by more than 150 from the 2020 number of 3,404, while fatalities also rose from 217 in 2020.

May has been designated Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

“We encourage riders to slow down, ride defensively, and remember to not drink and ride in order to keep themselves upright and ready for their next riding adventure,” said Major Robert Krol, director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Patrol.

PennDOT has contracted with several third-party motorcycle training providers to offer safety training classes free of charge to residents with a motorcycle permit or license. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact training providers directly for class availability.

Some safety tips motorists should keep in mind:

• 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 of distance between a motorcycle and your vehicle.

• 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:

• wearing reflective clothing and putting reflective tape on your protective clothing and motorcycle. Also wear face or eye protection and a DOT-approved helmet.

• using common sense by riding sober, obeying all speed limits and allowing enough time to react to potentially dangerous situations.

• practicing safe riding techniques and knowing how to handle your motorcycle in adverse road and weather conditions.

Vehicle crashes continue to be among the leading causes of death among young people, and the dangers specific to teen drivers have been well documented. As families prepare for proms and graduations, talk to your teens about a transportation plan that emphasizes safety and risk avoidance.

Spring is time to celebrate rites of passage and a time to enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to put safety first.