Is It Time to Ban Motorcycles?

An article this week in the Sun-Sentinel argues that it’s time to ban motorcycles. The author makes a few good points, too, that really can’t be argued with.

• A motorcycle crash is more likely to result in a fatality than a car crash.
• 73 out of every 100,000 motorcycle riders die in a car crash.
• Motorcycle rider fatalities make up for 11% of all traffic fatalities.

Those statistics are taken from a 2007 report from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and as far as I know, are absolutely true. Scary stuff, right?

Of course, that doesn’t exactly tell the whole story. The fact of the matter is that motorcycle fatalities have been declining for the last two years, and organizations like the AMA, MSF, and the NHTSA are pushing motorcycle safety more than ever.

There’s also the fact that the majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by other vehicles.

The Hurt Report, otherwise known as the "Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures” report, names other drivers as one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents and fatalities.

The report reads:

"The automobile driver fails to detect the inconspicuous motorcycle in traffic. This is due to lack of motorcycle and rider conspicuity and lack of caution and awareness of the automobile driver."

Now, the Hurt Report was conducted in the late 70’s, so I’m not going to use that as hard evidence. But the Department of Transportation has compiled various reports that support the fact that distracted drivers are the main cause for concern when it comes to motorcycle accidents. (They even dedicated an entire website, www.distraction.gov, to the problem.)

MSF President Tim Buche, said:

"Distracted driving is of great concern for motorcyclists as we simply have more at stake. Riders are obviously more vulnerable than car or truck drivers, the ones with far more access to a variety of distractions. Most motorcyclists are focused on one thing: riding. Other motorists should be focused on driving."

So are motorcyclists really the problem?

OK, I’ll be the first to admit that a motorcycle isn’t the safest way to travel. But neither is driving. Or flying. Or cycling. I even broke a toe once while I was walking. But should we ban pedestrian travel?
Life is full of accidents. There is only so much you can do to prevent them.

The Cole Legal Group Promotes “Sharing the Road” with Motorcycles By Joining Efforts with State and Federal Partners

May Proclaimed Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

[Dallas, Tx] – Motorcyclist fatalities have steadily increased over the past decade. In fact, there was a 2 percent increase in fatalities from 5,174 in 2007, to 5,290 in 2008.

That’s why The Cole Legal Group announced today that it is joining with other federal, State and local highway safety, law enforcement, and motorcycle organizations in proclaiming May as “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.”  All motorists and other road users are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcycles and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.  Motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other motorists.  All road users are reminded to never drive, walk or bicycle while distracted.

“As the weather improves, more and more motorcyclists are hitting the roads,” said local biker friendly lawyer, David Cole. “And with that in mind, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers of all vehicles, including SUVs, passenger cars or trucks, need to be extra attentive and make sure you ‘share the road.’  A motorcycle is one of the smallest vehicles on our roads, often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Everyone needs to aggressively look for them.”

It’s crucial that motorists and bicyclists always make visual checks for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.  Pedestrians should also scan for motorcyclists who might be hidden by other traffic.

“Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too,” Cole said. “They should follow the rules of the road, be alert to other drivers, never ride while impaired or distracted, and always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and other protective gear.”

Cole said that a motorcyclist is much more vulnerable than a passenger vehicle occupant in the event of a crash.  He said that research  from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in traffic crashes.

David Cole offered several tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:

• Remember, the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway.  Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane;
• Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections;
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic;
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;
• Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
• Never drive while distracted. 

Davide Cole said motorcyclists can increase their safety by:

• Avoiding riding in poor weather conditions;
• Wearing brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet;
• Using turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it;
• Combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves;
• Using reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity; and
• Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers.
• Never driving while impaired. 

Our message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: make this the first year in recent years when motorcycle fatalities do not increase. Help to share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”