Did you know that motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to crashes than other drivers? According to NHTSA, there were 5,172 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes – a decrease of 3 percent from the 5,337 motorcyclists killed in 2016. Motorcycle safety is becoming a growing concern. Of the 5,172 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, 94 percent (4,885) were riders and 6 percent (287) were passengers, says NHTSA.
Motorcyclists – How To Stay Safe
NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 749 lives could have been saved. An important note is to never buy a used helmet. A used helmet could have issues that are not noticeable on the surface and this could lead to a higher risk while operating a motorcycle. Helmets should not be worn after they have been through a crash. Here are some additional tips to help keep you safe on the road:
- Avoid riding in poor weather conditions.
- Remember to position your motorcycle to avoid a driver’s blind spot.
- Use turn signals for every turn or lane change.
- Following the speed limits on the road can help lessen the likelihood of a crash occurring.
- Do not weave in and out of lanes.
Drivers – How To Be Aware of Motorcyclists
It’s not only up to motorcyclists to be safe and aware while driving on the road. Other drivers need to be aware and cautious when driving on the same road as a motorcyclist. Taking precautions while on the road can help protect yourself and those on motorcycles from being involved in an accident. Here are a few helpful tips to help keep you and others safe:
- Allow a greater following distance when you are driving behind a motorcyclist.
- Exercise extra caution at intersections. Most crashes occur when a driver fails to see a motorcyclist while turning.
- Do not try to share a lane with a motorcycle. Give motorcyclists the full lane width.
- Always be aware of your blind spots. Motorcyclists tend to be in the blind spots of a vehicle.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help keep yourself and motorcyclists safe on the road, visit NHTSA. They have more tips and information on motorcycle safety while you are on the road.