Motorcycle Safety
The warm weather yesterday has us thinking of Spring, and it looks like Sgt. Eaton is as well! Check out more in this week’s #TrafficTipTuesday.
After posting our #traffictiptuesday segment last week, I received numerous requests, from both citizens and Deputies asking me to write about motorcycle safety. I was going to wait until May (which is designated as motorcycle safety month) but since the weather is getting nicer and we are starting to see more bikes on the road, I figured, why wait?
One of the most important things to remember is that motorcycle crashes are much more dangerous than car crashes. Statistically speaking, a motorcyclist is SIX times more likely to get injured in a vehicle crash than a car driver. In fact, three out of every four motorcycle crashes will result in an injury. Add to that the area where most of us live. Over 40% of all motorcycle crashes in the State of Maryland occur in 4 places: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and …you’ve guessed it, Harford County.
Helping to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes is not terribly difficult. First, like I always say, slow down. Lower speeds in a crash result in fewer injuries. Remember that motorcycles have the same rights on the roadway as other vehicle drivers. Failing to yield the right of way to another vehicle (to include motorcycles) could result in a fine of $110 dollars and 3 points on your license. However, if the causes death or serious injury, the fine goes up to $750.
In addition to that, be sure to look twice before merging and changing lanes. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars and trucks so it can be difficult to judge their speed as they are approaching you.
If you are a motorcycle rider, you also have a responsibility for roadway safety. A rider safety course is a great way to learn about how to safely ride a motorcycle. Even if you have been riding for a while, you can still benefit from this type of training. Never, EVER ride after drinking. 40% of motorcycle fatalities involved a rider who had been drinking. Lastly, always make sure you are wearing the proper gear when riding. Properly fitting safety clothing including helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots can go a long way to keeping you safer in a crash.
Every year in Maryland more than 70 motorcycle riders are killed in crashes. Whether your vehicle has 2 or 4 (or more) wheels, you need to do your part to keep our roadways safe.
As always, if you have a question or concern, please leave it in the comments below. Also, if you have a specific concern with unsafe driving in your area, such as speeding, drag racing, etc., give us a call, send an email, or reach out on social media. Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely
HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org
@hcsotrafficsgt on Instagram