Patrol issues motorcycle safety reminder

Van Wert independent/contributor content

May is the National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the Patrol would like to remind motorists that there will be an increase in motorcycles on the roadways with the warmer weather and to remind motorcyclists to ride trained and to ride sober.

From 2008 to 2010 motorcycle-involved crashes resulted in a total of 542 fatalities and over 11,400 injuries in the state of Ohio. Of the 542 fatalities, the motorcyclist was at fault 68 percent of the time. The Findlay District alone issued 749 motorcycle citations from 2008 to 2010. Taking precaution as a motorcycle rider can help protect yourself and others from injury or even death.

It is very important for anyone considering motorcycling to receive the proper training and licensing before heading out on the road. Out of the 8,675 citations the Patrol handed out in 2008 – 2010 to motorcyclists, 20 percent were for operating a motorcycle without a proper license or endorsement. As a rider, simple things like ensuring you have a valid motorcycle endorsement, receiving quality motorcycle training and wearing proper safety equipment can be key elements in staying safe.

Riding sober is also very important. Last year 39 percent of the fatal motorcycle crashes involved an impaired motorcyclist. Of course, motorcycle safety is not solely the responsibility of motorcyclists. Motor vehicle drivers share in this important effort, it is very important for motor vehicle drivers being aware of motorcyclists.

To that end, as a motorist or a passenger, there are some important steps to become more aware of motorcyclists. Remember, a motorcycle is a motor vehicle with all of the privileges of any vehicle on the roadway. Give motorcyclists a full lane of travel. Look for motorcyclists on the highway, at intersections, when a motorcyclist may be making a left turn, and when a motorcyclist may be changing lanes. Allow plenty of space in front of the vehicle you are driving, and do not follow a motorcycle too closely.

A statistical map detailing citations and other motorcycle related information can be found at http://statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/Motorcycle_Bulletin_2011.pdf.