DELAWARE: DOT issues appeal for motorcycle safety

OFF THE WIRE
By Jeff Louderback Correspondent
http://www.communitypub.com/therecord/x1498054042/DOT-issues-appeal-for-motorcycle-safety
DOT issues appeal for motorcycle safety

Dover, Del. — The warm weather of summer attracts more motorcyclists to the roads, and that increased volume of traffic can lead to additional accidents.
According to the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, as of June 21, 10 people were killed in nine crashes involving motorcycles. Of those 10 deaths, only two riders were wearing helmets.
Accident reports indicate that some of these fatal crashes involved the operator of the motorcycle being under the influence of alcohol. The most common causes of motorcycle crashes include impairment, speeding, following too closely and stunt riding. The Delaware Strategic Highway Safety Plan was created to improve motorcycle safety and increase motorcycle awareness.
“There is an alarming trend in the increase of motorcycle related fatalities this year” said Cleon L. Cauley, Acting Secretary for the Delaware Department of Transportation. “This is why Delaware’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan is focusing on motorcycle safety.”
With motorcycle accident numbers on the rise, director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety Jana Simpler encourages motorcyclists and motorists to exercise more caution.
“Delaware has already lost more motorcyclists in fatal crashes in 2011 than in all of 2010. It’s imperative that motorcyclists and motorists alike take precautions to protect these vulnerable roadway users,” Sampler said. “Slow down, look twice, and don’t drive impaired. We ask motorists to safely share the road with motorcycles by being alert. In addition, we would like to remind riders to slow down, drive sober, and wear protective equipment to include a helmet."
The Division of Motor Vehicles provides motorcycle safety classes. There are classes for novice riders, advanced riders and expert riders. For more information about these classes, visit www.dmv.de.gov.
For additional motorcycle safety information, visit the Delaware Office of Highway Safety website.
http://www.ohs.delaware.gov/