Motorists include motorcyclists, and their safety is a focus of Motorcycle Awareness Month, observed during May.
In a collision, a motorcycle rider is more vulnerable than the occupants of four-wheel vehicles, who are protected within the vehicle’s interior, restrained by seat belts and cushioned by air bags.
In contrast, motorcycle riders are protected only by helmets and the garments they choose to wear.
Last year, 92 motorcyclists were killed in accidents, which represented 11 percent of all Missouri traffic fatalities.
Bill Whitfield, executive committee chairman of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, said: “We want to see that number decrease this year by reminding all drivers to follow basic safety rules and never drive distracted or impaired.â€
Tips for motorists of both four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles are offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For drivers of cars and trucks, they include:
• Allow a motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
• Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
Recommendations for motorcyclists include:
• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
• Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
• Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
• Anticipate the moves of other drivers and be extra cautious of road conditions and debris.
• Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed and trained. Experts recommend motorcyclists complete some type of training before getting out on the road. Missouri has 31 training locations, which can be found at www.mmsp.org.
Above all, motorists help avoid accidents and the consequences when they share the road and don’t drive distracted or impaired.