For Immediate Release: June
22,
2005
Contact: OSHP - Lt. Rick Zwayer or Sgt. Jon Gray (614) 752-2792
American Motorcyclist Association - Tom Lindsay (614) 856-1900 ext. 1357
Other vehicle drivers reminded to look
out for motorcyclists
COLUMBUS – A big part of safe motorcycling is awareness
by other vehicle drivers that motorcycles are on the road. Ohio crash
statistics for 2004 show 1,357 motorcycle-involved crashes were caused
by non-motorcycle
drivers, including 35 fatal crashes. This spring and summer, the Ohio
State Highway Patrol is providing motorcycle safety tips from the American
Motorcyclist
Association (AMA) as part of our Ride Smart. Drive Smart. partnership
to help make it a safe and enjoyable motorcycle riding season.
Here are
some
tips for other vehicle drivers to be aware by looking out for motorcyclists:
-
Look
for motorcycles – Ohio has a large number of registered
motorcycles. Although our riding season is not year-round,
motorcyclists ride in all kinds of weather conditions.
-
Check your
mirrors – Before making a turn or a lane
change, check all your mirrors for motorcycles. Because
they are smaller
than four-wheeled
vehicles, motorcycles may be more difficult to see.
-
Check
your blindspots – Just checking your mirrors
before maneuvering your vehicle is not enough. All vehicles
have blindspots.
Turn your
head to check those dangerous areas before turning, changing
lanes, or backing up.
-
Signal your intentions – Before
making a turn or a lane change, use your turn signals
to alert other roadway
users. All
motorists,
especially motorcyclists, appreciate knowing your intentions.
-
Watch your turns – Many multi-vehicle crashes
involving motorcycles are the result of the driver turning into
the path of the motorcycle.
Left turns are particularly dangerous, because many
drivers misjudge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle. When in doubt,
wait it out.
-
Create some space – Skilled motorcyclists
are safe operators. Give them room to maneuver,
and avoid tailgating.
-
Avoid driver distractions – Any activity
inside a motor vehicle can distract the driver enough to cause a
crash. Driving is not
a part-time job.
-
They’re your neighbors – Motorcyclists
come from all walks of life. Perhaps your
neighbor, a co-worker, or
even a family
member
rides a motorcycle. To learn more about why
people ride motorcycles, just ask them. Many are happy
to share their enthusiasm for riding.
The
goal of Ride Smart. Drive Smart. is to help motorcyclists and other
drivers share
the road safely. Three key
safety awareness themes to achieve
this goal are:
1. Get Trained (including knowing proper safety gear to
wear)/Get Licensed;
2. Stay Sober (incorporating the AMA’s national Ride Straight program);
and
3. Other drivers, be aware by looking out for motorcyclists.
For more
information on Ride Smart. Drive Smart. visit, http://statepatrol.ohio.gov/motorcycle.htm.
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Note to editors: For more information about the American
Motorcyclist Association, visit www.AMADirectlink.com or
call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.
05-095
