PennDOT and the State Police are reminding everyone on the road to be aware of motorcycles.
May marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and officials say it’s important for both motorcyclists and drivers to practice good safety habits.
Last year, there were nearly 3,000 crashes involving motorcycles in the state, which led to 186 fatalities. Both the number of crashes and fatal accidents went down compared to the previous year.
Some safety tips drivers should keep in mind when sharing the road with motorcycles include:
- Watch for Motorcycles: Be aware that motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections.
- Allow more following distance: Leave at least four seconds when following a motorcycle.
- Always signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Respect a motorcycle as a full-size vehicle with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the road. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width: They need room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions.
- Never drive impaired.
Motorcyclists can do their part to help avoid crashes by following some simple safety tips:
- Wear reflective clothing and put reflective tape on your protective clothing and motorcycle. Also wear face or eye protection and a DOT-approved helmet.
- Always ride sober, obey all speed limits, and allow enough time to react to potentially dangerous situations.
- Know your motorcycle and conduct a pre-ride check.
- Practice safe riding techniques and know how to handle your motorcycle in adverse road and weather conditions.
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