Combating motorcycle fatalities with “Ride Smart, Arrive Alive” program

Surprising news was released this week: Virginia motorcycle fatalities jumped 87 percent in 2007, the last year for which data is available for analysis.  This information from the Virginia State Police (VSP) has officials and law enforcement officers concerned.  What can be done to reverse this tragic trend?

In an attempt to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities on Virginia roads the VSP is running a campaign called “Ride Smart, Arrive Alive”.  The campaign is comprised of three parts:

1. Education:  Since nearly 70 percent of motorcycle accidents are the fault of the motorcycle operator, the campaign will educate riders about the types of behaviors that contribute to serious crashes.
2. Enforcement:  Again, since the majority of motorcycle crashes are the fault of the biker, police will be trying to catch riders who don’t obey the law.  Issues like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, speeding, riding without a motorcycle endorsement, and equipment violations will be targeted by law enforcement efforts.
3. Roadway Management:  Physical roadway issues like road design and signage will be evaluated to see if changes can be made to reduce the likelihood of a serious motorcycle crash.  Authorities will be reviewing all motorcycle fatality accident reports to determine if a roadway issue contributed to the crash, and if so what can be done about it.

Read more about motorcycle safety in our law library articles like “Motorcyclists – How to Protect Yourself on the Road” and “Do you know how to “share the road” with motorcycle riders?”

Motorcyclists depend on other drivers for their safety

You’ve probably heard the term “share the road”.  It’s a neat little phrase intended to remind all drivers that they aren’t the only ones traveling the busy roads and highways around Virginia.  But what the folks at places like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) hope the phrase will do is remind drivers to always keep an eye out for motorcycle riders to avoid traffic accidents.

The message is especially important now because May is national Motorcycle Safety Awareness month.  In addition, warm spring weather will bring more bikers out onto the roads.  Motorcycles are especially vulnerable to the actions of other drivers because of their small size – they are sometimes difficult for drivers to see, and their small profile makes it hard for drivers to judge the speed and distance of an approaching biker.

In addition, motorcyclists are much more vulnerable in a crash because they lack the steel cage, airbags, seatbelts, and myriad other protections afforded to other motor vehicle drivers.  If involved in an accident, bikers risk serious injury and death.

It is important for drivers to keep an eye out for motorcycle riders.  Sadly, many drivers involved in accidents with motorcyclists say they never saw them or saw them too late to avoid a crash.  Read more about motorcycle safety tips for bikers in our law library article “Motorcyclists – How to Protect Yourself on the Road”.

Are high gas prices killing commuters – literally?

Many commuters these days are looking for ways to trim their fuel consumption budgets. With gas around $4 a gallon right now, it is no surprise that Virginia drivers are looking for some relief. One trend that is gaining popularity is to downsize. Not to a smaller car or truck, but all the way down to two wheels.

Scooter and motorcycle sales have ballooned recently, as drivers flock to these gas-thrifty vehicles to get around town and to-and-from the office. While they may offer significant savings, some motorists are finding that they’ve traded gas mileage for safety.

Officials are noting an increase in the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities on Virginia roads. This isn’t altogether surprising considering that there are now more motorcycle riders out on the roads and highways each day. However, what is alarming experts is the number of novice riders who may not take the appropriate safety precautions or who lack the experience to ride safely.

You can read more about motorcycle safety in our law library, in articles like “Are Gas Prices Affecting Motorcycle Safety?”, “Motorcyclists – How to Protect Yourself on the Road”, and “Are Motorcycles Getting Deadlier?”