May Is National Motorcycle Awareness Month

May is national Motorcycle Safety Month, sponsored by the National Safety Council (NSC). Throughout the month, the NSC will be holding events to raise awareness and hopefully reduce motorcycle accidents.

The NSC will remind motorists how much more vulnerable motorcyclists are than drivers of bigger vehicles. Many motorcycle accidents occur when the motorcycle is traveling in another vehicle’s blind spot. Fatal motorcycle accidents involving cars and trucks increased 131 percent from 1998 to 2008.

“Throughout spring and summer, the number of motorcyclists on the road will increase,” says David Teater, NSC Senior Director of Transportation Initiatives. “It is important for both motorists and motorcyclists to be aware of one another. To better defend themselves, motorcyclists should follow the rules of the roadway and wear protective gear, including a Department of Transportation compliant helmet.”

The NSC offers the following tips for motorists…

• Allow enough distance when riding behind a motorcycle.
• Be extra alert and cautious at intersections, where it is especially difficult to see motorcyclists.
• Give as much distance between your vehicle and a motorcycle as you would any other vehicle—never attempt to “share” a lane.

…and these for motorcyclists:

• Avoid riding in storms and other hazardous weather conditions.
• Do not ride in other vehicles’ blind spots when possible.
• Use turn signals and obey all other traffic laws.

Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego personal injury attorney.