May 18, 2006

 

Sharing the Road With Motorcyclists:

 

Every year motorcycle registrations continue to grow both in the United States and in South Carolina. With that growth has been an increase in collisions and fatalities involving motorcyclists largely because motorists don’t know how to mix or share the road with two-wheeled vehicles. In 2005, 94 motorcyclists died compared to 70 in 2001. The fatal collision usually results from another vehicle pulling into the path of the motorcyclist. So, remember to use the “Look Twice” rule. Look once over your shoulder and in your mirrors and then, look again. Here are some additional safety tips:

 

Intersections:

• A motorcycle’s small size, which makes it difficult to spot in traffic, requires the driver of a vehicle to consciously look for motorcycles in changing traffic situations.
• Traffic hazards may be obscured at intersections where vision is limited by buildings, parked vehicles and shrubbery. The motorist and the motorcyclist should slow down, check traffic and adjust position.
• Signal controlled intersections present two special hazards: Cross traffic may be going through on a yellow light; oncoming motorists may try to make a quick left turn in front of other traffic.

 

Residential  Driveways: Automobiles should be especially careful backing from driveways. The driver may have difficulty seeing an oncoming motorcycle.   

 

Determining Speed and Distance of Motorcycle: Determining speed of an oncoming motorcycle is difficult especially at night or in inclement weather. When you spot a motorcycle, make sure you have accurately judged its speed and distance. Always give the scene a second look and err on the side of caution allowing the motorcycle to pass before pulling from an intersection.

 

Passing and Being Passed:

• Both motorcyclist and vehicle should avoid accelerating when being passed. Both rider and driver should use mirrors and head checks to ensure the passing maneuver can be done safely.
• Vehicles often crowd motorcycles when passing not allowing them a full lane of travel. Vehicles should avoid returning to the original lane too soon. This could cause motorcyclists to swerve into traffic to avoid you or run off the roadway.

 

Following Distance:

Tailgating is one of the leading causes of collisions for motorcyclists and motorists often resulting in motorcyclists striking the rear of another vehicle and being thrown from their bikes.

 

 For more driving safety tips, log onto www.schp.org or to request a safety presentation, call the Office of Community Relations at 803-896-7920. Safety Tips provided by the SC Department of Public Safety and the national Motorcycle Safety Foundation.