May is designated Motorcycle Awareness Month. With the warmer weather, more bikes are on the roads. The National Safety Council (NSC) encourages bikers and driver to be more aware and work at ‘sharing the road’.
Motorcyclist deaths occurred 27 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles, based on 2014 fatal crash data according to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The NSC and USDOT offer the following tips on ‘sharing the road’.
NSC encourages motorists to be extra alert and follow these tips:
- Passenger car drivers must allow greater following distance behind a motorcycle.
- Drivers also must show extra caution in intersections. Most crashes occur when a driver fails to see a motorcyclist and turns left in front of a motorcycle.
- Drivers should never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. Always give a motorcycle the full lane width.
- Drivers should always make a visual check for motorcyclists by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a land of traffic.
- Motorcyclists should avoid riding in poor weather conditions.
- Motorcyclists should positon their motorcycles to avoid a driver’s blind spot.
- Motorcyclists must use turn signals for every turn or lane change.
Distracted drivers are an ever-increasing danger whether on bikes or in cars. Distracted driving can be the difference between seeing a biker before changing lanes and having a serious accident.
USDOT provides the following tips for motorcyclists:
1. Make sure you are properly licensed. Check to find the required classes and licensing for your state.
2. Practice operating you motorcycle before riding in traffic and make sure you know how to handle your motorcycle in a variety of conditions.
3. Be sure you motorcycle is safe. Check tires, hand and foot brake, headlights, signal indicators and fluid levels.
4.Wear the proper protection clothing and equipment. In an accident the best form of protecting yourself is your clothing and helmet.
5. If carrying passengers, make sure they know how to mount, sit, ride, and dismount safely
6. Be alcohol and drug free
Be safe. It is important for motorists and motorcyclist to be aware of each other and respect each other on the roads.
Don’t forget the Idaho Fish and Game Trailer will be at the Community Pond on Saturday, May 13. They will have lots of equipment to loan and help for the new fishers. Members of the Indianhead Fly Fishers will also be available to help.
Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. If you didn’t have a chance to thank a teacher do it anytime. They touch our future every day.
District 3 legislators will hold a town hall meeting on Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. in the Weiser High School library. They will be reviewing the past session and looking at upcoming and current issues. All citizens are invited to attend .
Crews are back on alley clean up again. They are still working on the west side and moving east. Adopt-a-trucks are available each week night and on the weekends for use. Contact the office for information. A signature is required to reserve a truck.
Don’t forget this Sunday is Mother’s Day. Senior Center is having a special lunch on Friday honoring Moms. Lots of local businesses have great buys for the Mother in your life.
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