Sharing Summertime Roads

With warm weather upon us, area bikers are hitting the road. 

Along with the freedom and fun of riding, however, come some sobering statistics. 

According to Live Free Ride Alive -- a campaign created by the state's transportation department -- there were 3,736 motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania in 2009. 

Tips for Motorcylcists

• Be Visible:  The Motorcycle Safety Foundation sums up a large problem for bikers: Cars often have trouble seeing and reacting in time to motorcycles. Avoid riding in blind spots, the spaces to the left and right rear of vehicles. 

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests motorcyclists wear bright clothing and use reflective material on clothing and the motorcycle particularly at night.

• Avoid inclement weather: Motorcyclists must be especially cautious in inclement weather and on slippery surfaces. If a summer storm rolls in, the NHTSA recommends pulling off the road and undercover to an area such as an overpass to wait out the rain. Roads are most dangerous in the first few minutes of rainfall when oil on the road is not washed away.

• Watch for intersections: NHTSA says most car and motorcycle collisions occur at intersections. Take extra precaution when approaching and navigating intersections.

• Watch for road hazards:  Roadway obstacles that would present little danger to a car can be costly for a motorcyclist. Loose gravel, potholes, oil and debris are all potential hazards. The NHTSA also warns that painted road markings and manholes may be extremely slippery when wet.

• Wear proper safety gear:  Most crashes occur at speeds below 30 mph, according to Live Free Ride Alive. At that speed, a proper helmet can reduce the number and severity of head injuries by 50 percent. With one in five motorcycle accidents involving head and neck injuries in 2009, proper protection of vital parts of the anatomy is paramount. Live Free Ride Alive also states that riders who wear helmets are three times more likely to survive a head injury. The MSF recommends tough outer clothing, like leather, along with long sleeves, pants, full boots and gloves. 

Tips for Other Drivers

• Be on the lookout: Remember, motorcycles share the road with cars and trucks.  Be on guard and look for them, especially at intersections.

• Size can be deceiving:  According to the MSF, a motorcycle's smaller size makes it hard to judge its speed and distance from you. The group recommends always judging a motorcycle as closer than it looks.

• Allow safe following distance:  Many motorcyclists slow down by rolling of the throttle or downshifting. These actions do not activate the bike's brake light.  Adding three to four more seconds to following distance can help drivers maintain a safe cushion. At intersections, assume bikers may slow down with no visual cue and drive accordingly.

• Lane adjustment is often for safety:  Riders may often change their lane position to be more visible or minimize a road hazard. This can be misconstrued as reckless riding or an invitation to share space in the lane but it's not.

• Do not expect a dodge:  While motorcycles are maneuverable, it is not safe to assume they will always dodge out of your way. Be especially aware that imperfect road conditions make driving more difficult for motorcycles.