Get up to Speed on Motorcycles Awareness for the Month of May

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
The Franklin Lakes Police Department is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind all motorists to Get Up to Speed on Motorcycles during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month this May. While on the roads, motorists may encounter motorcyclist behaviors that seem out of sync with standard vehicle use. NHTSA wants to make sure all motorists Get Up to Speed on Motorcycles, and has designed this campaign to help motorists understand standard motorcycle driving behaviors and learn how to drive safely around motorcycles on our roadways. The campaign brings drivers up to speed on common motorcyclist riding behaviors, and highlights simple things drivers can do to increase the safety of their two-wheeled friends who have very little protection in the event of a multi-vehicle crash.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month coincides with May, as the month ushers in warmer weather, and motorcyclists begin to ride more frequently. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are significantly over represented in traffic crashes and fatalities each year. In fact, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and are 4 times more likely to be injured. It is essential that vehicle drivers pay complete attention on the roads: Even the smallest momentary lapse in a vehicle driver’s awareness can result in the death of an unseen motorcyclist.

“We really want to spread the word to vehicle drivers to learn more about interacting with motorcyclists, keep an eye out for motorcyclists, and to always remember to share the road.” Said Chief Carmine Pezzuti. “Raising awareness of motorcyclist presence and providing information to better understand motorcyclist maneuvers can save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce crashes.”

In 2019, there were 5,014 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, a decrease from 2018 (5,038). Motorcyclist deaths accounted for 14% of the total highway fatalities that year.

“Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet is imperative to the safety of our riders,” said Sergeant Denny Knubel. “Just like motorists buckling their seat belts, using a DOT-compliant helmet can drastically increase survival rates in the event of a vehicle crash,” he said. NHTSA data estimates that helmets saved 1,872 motorcyclists’ lives in 2017, and that 749 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn their helmets.

To keep motorcyclists safe in their helmets, the DOT requires that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218, which outlines basic helmet safety requirements. In fact, many states have laws requiring FMVSS No. 218-compliant helmets.
Learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet by visiting https://www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet.

Tips for Motorists

Because vehicle drivers control a much larger machine, it is imperative that they keep close watch for motorcyclists who may be riding nearby. Drivers may follow thesetips to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:

Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has the same rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
Always use a turn signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and the motorcyclist could have forgotten to turn it off. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
Always allow more follow distance — three to four seconds — when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
Never drive distracted or impaired.

Tips for Motorcyclists

At the same time, motorcyclists must take extra precautions to guard against drivers who may not see them. Motorcyclists may follow these tips to prevent a fatal crash with a vehicle:

Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
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.
Never ride distracted or impaired.