May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists and motorcyclists to “share the road” during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in order to help prevent motorcycle crashes, deaths and injuries in Oconee County. “Motorcyclists will be on the roads as the weather gets warmer, which is why May is the perfect month for Motorcycle Safety Awareness,” said Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “Every summer we see more motorcycle riders on our highways. We all need to be more aware of motorcyclists in order to save lives.” In 2013, 4,668 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes, a decrease from 4,986 in 2012. Those deaths account for 14% of the total highway fatalities that year, despite motorcycle registrations representing only 3% of all vehicles in the U.S. in 2013. Helmet usage remained the same from 2012 to 2013 at 60%. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 1,630 lives were saved in 2013 because of proper helmet usage, but another 715 lives could have been saved if helmets had been worn. Sheriff Crenshaw offers these tips to drivers on how to prevent a crash with a motorcycle. “Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times. Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic. If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding. Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections. Always allow more follow distance, three to four seconds, when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. Never drive distracted or impaired.” Motorcyclists can increase their safety by following these steps, continues Sheriff Crenshaw. “Wear a state Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and other protective gear. Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed. Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn. Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility. Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers. Never ride distracted or impaired.” By following basic safety rules, we can all help prevent crashes,” concludes Sheriff Crenshaw. “Our message is the same for all drivers and riders; share the responsibility of keeping our roads safe and always share the road.”