May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and with peak motorcycling season starting in many parts of the country, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced. Motorcycles called the “grim report” shows an increase in motorcycle deaths in 2021.
According to NHTSA motorcycle safety website5,932 motorcyclists were killed in 2021. These deaths increased by 7.7% year-on-year and accounted for 14% of all traffic deaths in 2021. This is the same number of people. The highest traffic death toll since at least 1975.
Motorcyclists and scooter riders, with their smaller profiles, are at high risk of not being seen by motorists, so MSF is calling on all road users to “Expect us, please see us” and actively seek out drivers and stay focused on the road.
“NHTSA data is likely from 2021, but distraction, speeding, and driving or riding when affected are affected,” said Rob Gladden, MSF vice president of training operations. continue to be problems today. “However, these are all things we can change.”
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When it comes to riding decline, almost a third (29%) of rider deaths in 2021 are due to intoxication, up 19% from the previous year. Another surprising figure is that more than a third (36%) of motorcyclist deaths are those without a valid motorcycle license.
In the broader picture of all traffic and vehicle-related incidents, distracted driving accidents increased 12% from 2020 to 2021, according to NHTSA, while the number of deaths Speeding-related deaths increased by 7.9% and drunk driving deaths increased by 14%.
“One of the biggest risks to motorcyclists is motorists not seeing the rider and turning across their road, even if they are not distracted while driving,” says Gladden.
As part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, MSF offered five tips for motorcyclists and scooter riders:
- Shown: Wear light-colored clothing and a light-colored helmet. Keep your headlights on at all times day and night and avoid entering the blind spots of cars and trucks. If possible, flash the brake lights when slowing down and before stopping.
- But pretend you’re invisible: If you assume that other people can’t see you, you will tend to adopt a metacognitive mindset and learn to notice every detail around you. Continually look for changing conditions using a Find-Evaluate-Execute (VIEW) strategy to assess and respond to hazards before you have to respond to an emergency.
- Prepare for every trip: Wear suitable riding gear from head to toe. Full-face helmets provide the best protection. Jackets, pants, gloves, and boots made for riding will often be made of materials that resist wear and provide additional comfort and protection.
- Follow the rules of the road: Riding respectfully — and legally — creates a safer environment for everyone. Unexpected actions may startle or confuse others and cause collisions.
- Before riding, take a look at your bike: Perform a pre-ride inspection, including checking your tires and wheels, checking fluids, cables, bike frames, lights and electronics, and brackets. Use Test T-CLOCS checklist to help you.
Related: Before help arrives: Be prepared in the event of a motorcycle accident
Since drivers are also often drivers of other types of vehicles, MSF also offers tips for operating other types of vehicles.
“If you’re distracted – using your cell phone, eating, or interacting with other passengers – the risk goes up exponentially for drivers,” says Gladden. “If driving, please be careful. Actively search for motorcyclists and look closely, especially before changing lanes or turning.”
Whether you are the driver of a four-wheeled vehicle or a passenger in a vehicle, keep these tips in mind:
- Actively looking for motorcyclists: Although many cars have blind-spot detection and collision avoidance systems, they are not safe. Also, use your eyes and mirrors to check your surroundings and look twice before moving into or around traffic.
- Concentrate on driving: Put down the phone; Don’t let pets and passengers distract you.
- Use your turn signals: Signal your intentions. It can help others know what to expect or even warn them to get out of your way if they are in your blind spot.
- Give the two-wheeler some space: Do not tail or get too close to a rider. Give them space to maneuver and adjust to road conditions.
- Keep it in the car: Don’t throw trash or cigarettes out the window. Make sure the cargo is securely fixed so it doesn’t fall onto the road and become a hazard.
For more information, including safety handbooks, tips and other reference guides, as well as details on MSF riding classes, visit Motorcycle Safety Foundation website.
