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This May And All Year, Remember Motorcycles
Posted by Claude Wyle
May 28, 2013 6:00 PM
As more drivers ride motorcycles as their primary mode of
transportation, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Office of Traffic Safety
(OTS), and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) want all those on the road to
remain aware and respectful of our two wheeled counterparts. Motorcycle Safety
Month, kicking off this May, aims to spread awareness and encourage everyone to
be respectful on the road. Inspired by an increase in motorcycle related
collisions in the state, the campaign hopes to reduce accidents and increase
motorcycle safety.
In California alone there are more than 1.3 million licensed
motorcyclists. As motorcycles are one of the smallest vehicles on the road, they
are more prone to hiding in car's blind spots and remaining unnoticed by fellow
motorists. Just as motorcyclists are reminded to remain visible to automobile
drivers, so too should automobile drivers maintain awareness for motorcycles in
their proximity.
According to the California Highway Patrol, in 2011 there were
400 people killed and 12,000 injured due to motorcycle related accidents. This
number represents an almost 20 percent increase from previous years. Following a
period of dramatic declines, the increase in deaths raises concern with
transportation authorities throughout the state.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), an organization which
emphasizes the importance of motorcycle safety, will use this month to continue
their campaign of appropriate clothing and safety gear while riding. The Vice
President of the MSF, Robert Gladden, spoke out concerning motorcyclist safety,
stating that: “Not only should motorcyclists wear protective gear, all of the
time, including a helmet manufactured to the standards set by the U.S Department
of Transportation they should ride unimpaired by alcohol or drugs. If you follow
these simple steps, lives can be saved.”
Although as concerned citizens we all do our best to ensure each
other’s safety on the road, accidents do happen. It is important that if you are
injured as a result of a motorcycle accident that you consult both a medical and
legal professional immediately.
