Focus on Motorcycle Safety Awareness This May

The image of the "tough biker dude" is a misnomer.  Motorcyclists as any Houston motorcycle accident lawyer will tell you, are by far, the most high-risk highway users in Texas.

While the rates of fatalities in auto accidents have dropped, such rates have actually increased for motorcyclists over the past decade. In 2009, there was a drop in motorcycle accident fatality rates, compared to the previous 11 years. However, the recession likely contributed to that decline. There were fewer people buying new motorcycles, and there was lesser recreational riding across the country. The fact is that motorcyclists continue to be at a high risk for accidents caused by distracted drivers, negligent motorists, and their own unsafe riding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to change that. The agency has dedicated the month of May to motorcycle safety. All this month, communities around the country will be encouraged to conduct, promote and participate in motorcycle safety programs. The NHTSA wants this month-long campaign to target both motorists as well as motorcyclists. The campaign is called Share the Road, and it's the message the agency wants to send out to the public. It's important that motorists and motorcyclists understand the need to share roads with each other.

For Motorists:

• Look out for motorcyclists when you're driving. Very often, motorcyclists may fall in your blind spot, and be hidden from view.
• Avoid sharing lanes with a motorcycle. A motorcycle may look like it needs little space, but motorcyclists need room to maneuver.
• Respect a motorcyclist's right-of-way, and yield when you have to.

For Motorcyclists:

• Wear brightly colored clothing that makes you stand out from the rest of the traffic. This is even more important at night. Make sure your motorcycle stands out too by pasting reflective stickers.
• Avoid foolish behaviors like riding under the influence or using a cell phone while riding, for obvious reasons.
• Avoid riding at excessive speeds, and performing stunts. It's not only a serious risk to your life, but also generates a lack of respect for motorcyclists in the minds of motorists around you.
• Wear a DOT-approved helmet while riding a motorcycle at all times.
• Make time for a basic safety training course before you begin riding a motorcycle.