The Los Angeles Police Department is joining Federal, State, and Local law enforcement partners, and motorcycle organizations proclaiming the month of May as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month." All motorists and other road users are reminded to safely "Share the Road" with motorcycles and be alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.
Motorcycles are among the smallest and most vulnerable vehicles on the road and riders are at greater risk of death and serious injury than other vehicle operators if they are involved in a crash. In fact, according to the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), per vehicle mile, motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of cars, and 5 times more likely to be injured.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) latest statistics bear out this unfortunate fact. In 2011, 4,612 motorcyclists died on America’s roads, accounting for 14 percent of total highway deaths despite motorcycle registrations representing only about 3 percent of all vehicles in the country.
Despite historical declines in automobile fatalities, motorcycle deaths have increased every year for 13 of the past 14 years, except 2009 which saw a decline.
Locally, in the San Fernando Valley, so far this year through April 30, there have been 21 motorcycle traffic collisions involving 3 fatalities. In 2012, for the same time period, there were 10 motorcycle collisions with 2 fatalities.
This is why we are here this morning to share our traffic messages to motorists and motorcyclists. Education combined with enforcement will help reinforce the concept that all motorists need to safely “Share the Road.”
Without a continued focus on motorcycle safety, the number of motorcycle collisions may continue to increase. As the weather improves, more and more motorcyclists will be riding on our City streets. A motorcycle is one of the smallest vehicles on our streets, often hidden in vehicle blind spots. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers of all vehicles, including Sport Utility Vehicles and trucks need to be extra attentive and make sure that you "Share the Road." Everyone on our streets has a shared responsibility to prevent traffic collisions.
Drivers need to be on the lookout for motorcyclists at all times, signal all lane changes and turns, and constantly be checking mirrors and blind spots before proceeding. Always look twice for motorcycles, especially on your blind spots. Drivers must be fully focused and alert to the road, and in control of their vehicles at all times by never driving impaired by alcohol, drugs or distraction.
AAA representative________________________________________________
Motorcyclists also have responsibilities. Riders should obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed. Motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to drivers. They should follow the rules of the road, never ride while impaired or distracted, wear bright colored protective gear and always wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet. We will see samples of novelty and DOT approved helmets on display here this morning.
Whether you are driving a car or riding a motorcycle in our communities we encourage you to put safety first, use caution and "Share the Road."
Ride as if your life depended on it, because it may!
Note:
We encourage new riders to register in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). WWW.CA-MSP.org
