The WCSO Reminds Residents To Watch For Motorcycles During Bike Week Sept 17-20

The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Reminds Residents To Watch for Motorcycles During Bike Week Sept 17-20.

Wicomico County MD--As thousands of motorcycle riders come to visit Delmarva this week the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone to be extra careful and watch for motorcycle riders.

One out of every nine U.S. road fatalities accounted for last year involved motorcycle riders. This steady increase in fatalities over the past decade represents one of our Nation’s greatest highway safety challenges.

Motorcycle fatalities now account for 11 percent of total road fatalities and have increased each year from a low of 2,116 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006. So while there has been success in reducing automobile deaths in recent years, this progress is being negated by the rise in motorcycle fatalities, which has more than doubled.

Because of their smaller size, motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. “It’s crucial that motorists always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.” said Lt. Babe Wilson.

Lt. Wilson also said that motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle drivers in the event of a crash. He said that research shows that approximately 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 their vehicle.

Lt. Wilson offered several tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:

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;

Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to other vehicles pose major hazards to motor­cyclists;

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.

Lt. Wilson said motorcyclists have responsibilities, too, by following the rules of the road, being alert to other drivers, and always wearing DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear.

Our message to all drivers is: Share the Road and be Courteous to Motorcyclists. Always Look Once Look Twice and Look Again at Intersections.