It’s finally feeling like spring in Louisville! With average daytime highs in the 70s and average lows just below 60, it is time to put winter behind us and get on with enjoying the beautiful outdoor sites in Kentucky. For many Kentuckians, that means getting back on their motorcycles.
And That’s Part of the Reason Why May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This year, the theme of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is Share the Road. It is an awareness month meant to be honored by all drivers—not just bikers—and there are important steps that all drivers can take to share the road safely and prevent a tragedy.
Specifically, as a driver of a truck, car or motorcycle, you should…
- Expect to share the road with all kinds of vehicles.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Put down your cell phone while driving.
- Keep your attention on the road. Avoid all types of distracted driving.
- Drive defensively—expect the unexpected.
- Take safe driving courses so that you know how to stay safe on the road.
- Keep your vehicle in good condition. Make sure things such as headlights, brakes and turn signals work.
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcyclists before changing lanes.
- Be cautious around motorcycles with turn signals on. Unlike other vehicles, many motorcycle turn signals do not self-cancel or alert the driver that they are still on. Thus, you should not assume that the driver is turning based on the turn signal alone.
- Review and spread the information provided on the NHTSA’s website for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
A serious motorcycle accident may not only devastate the biker who is hurt or killed but also the driver who unintentionally caused the crash and the families of both drivers. Accordingly, we encourage everyone to act with care and to share this article on Facebook so that more drivers can learn useful tips for preventing tragedies on our roads this year.
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