Frankfort, Ky. (March 21, 2016) – As the warmer spring weather draws motorcyclists onto Kentucky roadways, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is launching its “Share the Road with Motorcycles” campaign to reduce crashes and save lives.
“Safety is a mutual responsibility for motorists and motorcyclists alike,” said KOHS Executive Director Bill Bell. “We urge drivers to be extra cautious because motorcycles are difficult to see, and we urge motorcyclists to do their part in staying visible.”
According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on a per vehicle mile basis, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of cars, and five times more likely to be injured.
The KOHS offers the following tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:
- A motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle. The person under that helmet is someone’s family member or friend;
- Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width – never try to share a lane;
- Frequently check mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic and at intersections;
- Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic;
- Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;
- Allow more following distance –three or four seconds – when behind a motorcycle to give the motorcyclist time to maneuver around obstacles in the roadway, or stop in an emergency;
- Pay attention.
Motorcyclists can increase their safety by:
- Wearing a U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet;
- Using turn signals for every turn or lane change;
- Wearing brightly colored protective gear, and using reflective tape and stickers to increase visibility;
- Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers; and
- Never riding while impaired or distracted.
“Our message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: Help to share the responsibility of keeping all road users safe, and do your part by safely sharing the road,” said Bell.
