Page 17 - AAA Northampton County - AAA Now! Summer 2013
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17
Summer 2013
3914 Hecktown Rd., Easton, PA • (610) 258-2371 •
Auto
Services
AAA
Now
!
TM
Now that warmer weather is right
around the corner, motorcyclists will
soon be out in full force. Motorists
and other road users are reminded to
safely “share the road”with motorcycles,
and to be extra alert to help keep
motorcyclists safe. Motorcycle riders
are reminded to obey traffic laws, wear
protective gear, and make themselves
visible by wearing bright colors and
using reflective tape.
Pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers of
all vehicles, including SUVs, passenger
cars and trucks, need to be extra
attentive and make sure they "share
the road." A motorcycle is one of the
smallest vehicles on our roads, often
hidden in a car or truck’s blind spot.
Every driver needs to aggressively
look for them before changing lanes,
merging with traffic, or crossing
intersections.
A motorcyclist is much more
vulnerable than a passenger vehicle
occupant in the event of a crash.
Research from the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration shows
that per vehicle mile traveled, motor-
cyclists are about 39 times more likely
than passenger car occupants to die
in traffic crashes.
Increasing safe riding and
cooperation between all road users
and motorcyclists will help to reduce
the number of fatalities and injuries on
our highways.
Drivers are urged to follow these tips
in order to safely “share the road”
with motorcycles:
•
Remember, a motorcycle is a vehicle
with all of the rights and privileges
of any other motor vehicle.
•
Always allow a motorcyclist the full
lane width – never try to share a lane.
•
Perform a visual check for motorcycles
by checking mirrors and blind spots
before entering or exiting 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.
•
Allowmore following distance – at
least three or four seconds when
behind a motorcycle so the
motorcyclist has enough time to
maneuver or stop in an emergency.
•
Never tailgate. In dry conditions,
motorcycles can stop more quickly
than cars.
•
Never drive while distracted.
Motorcyclists can increase their
safety by following these tips:
•
Avoid riding in poor weather
conditions
•
Wear brightly colored protective
gear and a DOT-compliant helmet
•
Use turn signals for every turn or
lane change, even if the rider thinks
no one will see it
•
Combine hand signals and turn
signals to draw more attention to
themselves
•
Use reflective tape and stickers to
increase conspicuousness
•
Position themselves in the lane
where they will be most visible to
other drivers
•
Never drive while impaired
•
Take the free motorcycle safety
course, visit
for
more information
•
Visit PennDOT’s Motorcycle Info
Center
centers/motorcyclecenter.shtml
Our message to all drivers and
motorcyclists is: Help to share in the
responsibility of keeping all road
users safe, and do your part by safely
“sharing the road.”
MAY IS NATIONAL
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY
AWARENESS MONTH
