Colonel Paul McClellan
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

As the summer season begins to heat up, Ohio residents are traveling roadways in various vehicles and sometimes with additional equipment. Motorcycles, boat, travel, and utility trailers all call for specific vehicle requirements and additional safety measures.

Motorcycles may be smaller than other vehicles on the road, but they require the same amount of safety on Ohio’s roadways. In Ohio last year, there were 3,267 crashes involving motorcycles that resulted in 96 deaths.

Here are some tips to keep you safe while riding this summer:

• Ride Bright - Choose light colored clothing or wear a reflective vest. Always remember to wear safety glasses or other protective eye wear whether you’re the driver or a passenger.
  
• Never Assume the Right of Way - Always consider how vulnerable you are on a motorcycle. Be especially careful of vehicles turning left in front of you. One-third of motorcycle-vehicle crashes occur in this manner.
  
• Remember Ohio Law - Ohio law states that no one under the age of 18 can operate a motorcycle or be a passenger on a motorcycle unless they are wearing a helmet.
  
• Sharing Lanes - Never ride more than two abreast in a lane and never share a lane with a vehicle other than a motorcycle. Position your motorcycle to the left of your lane to discourage other motorists from coming into it. Always leave yourself an escape route.
  
• Communicate with Other Drivers - Flash your lights or sound your horn to alert other motorists of your presence. Always use your turn signals to communicate your intentions.

• Sway Control -The safety factor in towing trailers can be increased considerably with the installation of a well-designed sway control device. This equipment helps to reduce trailer sway and aids in preventing such sway from throwing the vehicle out of control.
  
• Speed Limits - Drivers operating vehicles with towing trailers must adhere to the same speed limits as regular passenger cars. Consideration should be given to stopping distance due to added weight.
  
• Passing and Turning - Give careful consideration to the added length of the trailer behind your vehicle in passing and turning movements. Make sure you have ample space and use turn signals.
  
• Passenger Safety - Ohio Law prohibits any occupants in a trailer or manufactured mobile home while it is being towed on a street or highway.