May is MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH, and the Tennessee Highway Safety Office wants to get you up to speed on what motorists can do to keep the roads safe for all riders.
Know the Facts
Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 27 TIMES more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and FIVE TIMES more likely to be injured.
Improper use of a vehicle’s rear-view and side-view mirrors contributes to collisions, particularly with smaller vehicles like motorcycles. With roughly 40% of a vehicle’s outer perimeter zones hidden by blind spots, improper adjustment, or lack of use of rear-view and side-view mirrors can have dire consequences for motorcyclists.
What You Can Do
Because motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, they can be difficult to see. Their size can also cause other drivers to misjudge their speed and distance. Size also counts against motorcycles when it comes to blind spots. Motorcyclists can be easily hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Always look for motorcycles by checking your mirrors and blind spots before switching lanes.
Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows motorcyclists to anticipate your movement and find a safe lane position.
Allow more follow distance — three or four seconds — when following a motorcycle. This gives the motorcycle rider more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. Motorcycle riders may suddenly need to change speed or adjust their lane position to avoid hazards such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.
LEARN MORE FROM THESE RESOURCES.
TNTRAFFICSAFETY.ORG | NHTSA.GOV
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