Kentucky Motorcycle Association Shares Safety Tips

Warm weather is here, along with the end of school, baseball games, family cookouts, church picnics and more time enjoying the outdoors.



It also means more motorcyclists will be on the roads. Governor Steve Beshear has declared May to be 'Motorcycle Awareness Month' to coincide with National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The goals of the programs are to educate both motorcyclists and motorists about safety awareness and prevent accidents that cause injuries and fatalities.



Fatalities caused by motorcycle crashes are on the rise, and helmet usage is decreasing. Statistics support these alarming trends. In 2012, 4,957 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes. Helmet usage dropped from 66% of motorcyclists in 2011 to 60% in 2012. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 1,617 lives were saved in 2011 because of proper helmet usage, but 701 lives could have been saved if helmets had been worn by all motorcyclists.



The Kentucky Motorcycle Association (KMA) reminds motorists and motorcyclists alike to 'share the road' in order to prevent motorcycle crashes, injuries and deaths. KMA offers drivers tips to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:



-Even though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has the same rights of the road as a motorist. Always allow a motorcycle the full width of a lane.



-Always signal and check mirrors and blind spots when changing lanes and merging with traffic.



-If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be cautious: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and can easily be forgotten. Always be sure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.



-Allow for an increased following distance - three to four seconds - when driving 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 tips:



-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.



-Increase visibility by wearing brightly colored clothes and reflective tape.



-Ride in the middle of the lane so you are more visible to drivers.



-Never ride distracted or impaired.



KMA asks that both motorcyclists and motorists share the responsibility of keeping roads safe.