May in Wyoming is a time when many motorcycle enthusiasts bring their motorcycles out from a long winter slumber and begin to ride Wyoming’s highways once more.
Appropriately, May is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month which is designed to encourage drivers and motorcyclists to “share the road” with each other.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, has two campaigns for motorcyclists: “Share the Road” and “Ride Sober Or Get Pulled Over”.
Share the road encourages motorcyclists and passenger vehicle drivers to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation is celebrating Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by posting information on their Facebook page with the latest crash data, safety information, fun rides, funny stories, and more.
Stephanie Harsha, WYDOT Public Information Specialist, said one thing that can greatly contribute to a motorcyclist’s safety is wearing a helmet.
Wyoming law only requires riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet, but Harsha said WYDOT stresses the importance of helmets for everybody on a motorcycle.
“With a helmet, you’re three times more likely to survive a crash,” said Harsha. “And on a motorcycle, you’re so exposed to the road and to the elements it’s just much safer to have that helmet on your head.”
Harsha said it’s also important for people to wear gear like pants, jackets, gloves, etc. which can provide protection from the road in a crash.
Harsha also recommends bright colored clothing for motorcyclists so they can be more easily seen.
As is true with all vehicles—including motorcycles—distracted driving is extremely dangerous.
NHTSA funded research shows that people behind the wheels of passenger vehicles are distracted more than 50% of the time. Distracted driving can have devastating consequences for drivers and motorcyclists alike.
“We’re so attached to our cell phones these days that it’s very dangerous. Not only are you endangering your own life, but you’re also endangering the life of someone on a motorcycle who has a family and people that care about them,” said Harsha.
Harsha said research also shows that drivers of passenger vehicles are at fault in over 50% of accidents involving motorcyclists and passenger vehicles.
The “Ride Sober Or Get Pulled Over” campaign also aims to protect everyone on the roadways. While driving impaired is never a good idea, statistics show the chances of being involved in a fatal crash are increased even more so for motorcyclists than if in a passenger vehicle.
WYDOT offered the following general tips to drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:
- Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
- Always 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 could have been forgotten. 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.
Motorcyclists can increase their safety by following these steps:
- 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.