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The warmer weather and sunshine of spring prompts law enforcement agents to warn motorcyclists and regular drivers of the need to share the road. The beginning of May marks the start of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, though many bikers around the Lake of the Ozarks have already taken to the highways to enjoy rides.
“As the weather improves, more and more motorcyclists are hitting the roads,” Camden County Sheriff Dwight Franklin said “With that in mind, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers of all vehicles — including SUVs, passenger cars or trucks — need to be extra attentive and make sure you 'share the road.'"
The Camden County Sheriff's Office joins other local law enforcement groups and the Missouri State Highway Patrol in observing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that a motorcyclists is 37 times more likely than a passenger car occupant to die in a traffic crash. Motorcycles — whether they are cruisers, sport bikes or touring bikes — are among the smallest vehicles on the road and can easily disappear in drivers' blind spots. Police ask passenger vehicle drivers to be extra careful to check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Pedestrians and bicyclists are also encouraged to use extra caution when crossing roads.
“Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too,” Franklin said. “They should follow the rules of the road, be alert to other drivers, never ride while impaired or distracted, and always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and other protective gear.”
Safety tips for other drivers
- Remember, the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width — never try to share a lane.
- Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
- Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle. Motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
- Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind 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.
- Never drive while distracted.
The warmer weather and sunshine of spring prompts law enforcement agents to warn motorcyclists and regular drivers of the need to share the road. The beginning of May marks the start of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, though many bikers around the Lake of the Ozarks have already taken to the highways to enjoy rides.
“As the weather improves, more and more motorcyclists are hitting the roads,” Camden County Sheriff Dwight Franklin said “With that in mind, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers of all vehicles — including SUVs, passenger cars or trucks — need to be extra attentive and make sure you 'share the road.'"
The Camden County Sheriff's Office joins other local law enforcement groups and the Missouri State Highway Patrol in observing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that a motorcyclists is 37 times more likely than a passenger car occupant to die in a traffic crash. Motorcycles — whether they are cruisers, sport bikes or touring bikes — are among the smallest vehicles on the road and can easily disappear in drivers' blind spots. Police ask passenger vehicle drivers to be extra careful to check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Pedestrians and bicyclists are also encouraged to use extra caution when crossing roads.
“Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too,” Franklin said. “They should follow the rules of the road, be alert to other drivers, never ride while impaired or distracted, and always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and other protective gear.”
Safety tips for other drivers
- Remember, the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width — never try to share a lane.
- Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
- Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle. Motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
- Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind 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.
- Never drive while distracted.
Safety tips for riders
- Know your bike. Get formal training and take refresher courses. Practice riding your motorcycle before going into heavy traffic. Know how to handle your motorcycle in all types of road conditions.
- Be visible. Motorists often have a hard time seeing you. Keep your headlight on, day or night. Use reflective strips/decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Be aware of other vehicle’s blind spots.
- Dress for safety. Wear a helmet and eye protection. Wear bright clothing. Wear thick or leather clothing for protection.
- Think safety while riding. Give yourself space to react to other motorists’ actions. Use lane positioning to increase visibility. Watch for turning vehicles. Signal your next action in advance. Pretend you’re invisible and drive defensively.
- Using turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it.
- Never ride while impaired.
