- In 2005, motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the 8th
straight year. 4,553 motorcyclists lost their lives in fatal
highway crashes.
- Non-interstate roadways... In 2005, 91 percent of the
motorcycle operator fatalities in two-vehicle crashes involving a
motorcycle and a passenger vehicle occurred on non-interstate
roadways.
- Intersections... In 2005, 50 percent of all two-vehicle
crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle in which the
motorcycle operator died were intersection crashes.
- Weekends... Twice as many motorcycle fatalities occurred
on weekends as opposed to weekdays.
Safety Tips
#1. Allow a motorcyclist the full lane width. Although it may
seem as though there is enough room in a traffic lane for both an
automobile and a motorcycle, the motorcycle needs the full room to ma-neuver
safely. Do not share the lane.
#2. Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging
with traffic. This allows the mo-to cyclist to anticipate traffic flow
and find a safe lane position.
#3. Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind
spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a
visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before
entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
#4. Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle –
motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes
forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn
before you proceed.
#5. Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to
passenger vehicles pose major hazards to motor-cyclists. Be aware that
motorcyclists may need to change speed or adjust their position within a
lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as
potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad
crossings, and grooved pavement.
#6. Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when
following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver
or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions,
motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
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“Share the Road” -- Motorcyclists Are at Risk from
Other Drivers.
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Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other
vehicles. This can make it difficult to judge the speed and distance
of an approaching motorcycle.
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After a crash, the drivers of other vehicles
involved often say they never saw the motorcyclist and were unable
to respond in time.
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NHTSA estimates that 80 percent of motorcycle
crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of
passenger car crashes injure or kill a driver or passenger in the
vehicle.
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In fact, per vehicle mile traveled, NHTSA estimates
that in 2005, motorcyclists were about 37 times more likely than
passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.
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