Motorcycle Safety Awareness - KS Highway Patrol

[JerryM100]

2009-15
NEWS RELEASE: May 14, 2008
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: TechTRP Edna Buttler (785)296-6800
Motorcycle Safety Awareness as Summer Nears

To raise awareness and reverse a dangerous traffic trend, the Kansas Highway Patrol, as well as other federal, state, and local highway safety, law enforcement, and motorcycle organizations are recognizing the month of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

"For the last 10 years, motorcycle crashes have been occurring in increasing numbers throughout our state. In 2007, fatalities from motorcycle crashes made up over 11 percent of total fatalities in Kansas," Patrol Superintendent Colonel Terry Maple said. "With 47 motorcycle riders killed in crashes in 2007, that's more than double those killed 10 years ago."

An additional 1,033 people were injured in motorcycle crashes in 2007. Only 38 percent of all motorcycle occupants involved in crashes in 2007 was wearing a helmet. Crashes with two-wheeled motor vehicles happened at a frequency of once every seven-and-a-half hours in the state. And nearly one person was killed every seven days on a motorcycle.

Motorcycles can present more dangers to their riders than passenger cars and trucks because there is less protection around a rider's body to keep them safe from injury, should they be involved in a crash. Without wearing a helmet, the chance of head injuries increases dramatically. National data indicates that approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car crashes injure or kill a driver or passenger in their vehicle.

"Passenger vehicles and motorcycle occupants have a dual role in assuring the safety of those travelling our state's roadways on motorcycles," Maple said. "Passenger vehicles need to remain cognizant that they are sharing the road with other types of vehicles, and to check blind spots and mirrors when changing lanes in traffic. Motorcycle occupants have an obligation to themselves and their families to wear a helmet and other protective gear when riding."

To help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways, follow these tips:

* Remember motorcycles have all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway.
* Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width - never try to share a lane.
* Always look for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving 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 turning before you proceed.
* Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to other vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists.
* Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don't tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
* Help share in the responsibility and remember to 'Ride Smart. Share the Road.'

Source: http://www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/pres ... 09-15.html