For the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and its Office of Highway Safety, May is better known as “Motorcycle and Bike Safety” Month — and an important part of the calendar used to remind all travelers to help prevent crashes, injuries and death on the Commonwealth’s roadways.
Spring and summer weather naturally bring out bike and motorcycle enthusiasts. And though both vehicles have to observe the state’s road rules, their small stature often lands in the blind spots of automobiles.
During 2021 in Kentucky, there were 1,490 crashes involving motorcycles — resulting in 1,085 injuries and 99 deaths. Of those 99 deaths, 88 came to the motorcyclist. And of those crashes, 811 involved a motorcycle and at least one other vehicle.
Bicyclists were involved in 325 crashes, resulting in 239 injuries and nine deaths. Of those crashes, 320 involved at least one other vehicle.
Motorcyclists should:
— Wear a DOT-compliant helmet;
— Use turn signals for all turns and lane changes, as well as hand signals if needed;
— Wear brightly-colored protective gear, using reflective tape and stickers;
— Position in the lane for prime visibility;
— Remove distractions, and focus on the road and its traffic;
— Obey the speed limit;
— And ride sober.
Cyclists should do much the same, but should also:
— Ride in the same direction as traffic;
— Check brake effectiveness and tires for proper inflation;
— Learn the hand signals for properly changing lanes and navigating turns.
Drivers should:
— Put the phone down, and pay attention;
— Frequently check mirrors and blind spots before entering and exiting lanes and intersections;
— Use turn signals at all changes and merges;
— Flashing turn signals of motorcycles aren’t always self-canceling. Wait to be sure a motorcyclist turns before proceeding;
— Obey the speed limit;
— Drive sober;
— Allow at least a three-second following distance between you and the vehicle in front;
— Don’t use bike lanes for parking, passing or turning;
— And pass to the left of a bicycle, allowing at least three feet clearance.
