KYTC supplies guidelines to improve using security in the course of Motorbike and Bicycle Protection Consciousness Month in Might
May 5, 2022In recognition of May as Motorbike and Bike Safety Awareness Thirty day period, the Kentucky Office of Freeway Protection (KOHS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding all road buyers to operate jointly to aid avert crashes, injuries and fatalities on Kentucky roadways.
“We’re moving into the warmer months and that generally suggests much more bikes and bicycles on our roadways,” mentioned Gov. Andy Beshear. “Safety is a mutual accountability and we really encourage all road users to do their section in generating confident every person can make it to their place securely – each trip, each and every time.”
A bike or bicycle is a auto with all of the legal rights and privileges of any motor vehicle however, as just one of the smallest autos on the street, a motorbike or bicycle might be in a vehicle’s blind places.
A motorcycle security class (NKyTribune file)
“We’re asking motorists to consider very simple nonetheless important steps when behind the wheel,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Taking the more move of seeking 2 times at intersections and in advance of altering lanes or creating turns could be the variation concerning lifestyle and death for a motorcyclist or bicyclist.”
In 2021 there ended up 1,490 crashes involving motorcycles in Kentucky, ensuing in 1,085 injuries and 99 deaths (88 motorcyclists). Of these crashes, 811 involved a motorcycle and at minimum one other car or truck. Bicyclists have been included in 325 crashes ensuing in 239 injuries and 9 fatalities. Of people crashes, 320 included at the very least 1 other car.
“All road customers share the similar legal rights and obligations intended to keep our transportation process equitable and harmless,” reported Secretary Gray. “Our Cabinet is fully commited to continuing our efforts to improve infrastructure and accessibility for all people, and we inquire that we all do our part to obey the policies of the street.”
The KOHS features the next recommendations for motorists:
• Put the cell phone down and pay focus. Driving while distracted boosts danger for all highway buyers
• Perform a normal visible examine by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of site visitors, and at intersections
• Use a switch signal before transforming lanes or merging with site visitors to notify many others of your intentions
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing flip sign on a motorcycle. Motorcycle indicators are typically not self-canceling and riders from time to time fail to remember to flip them off. Hold out to be certain the bike is going to transform before you carry on
• Obey the pace restrict. Driving at the posted restrict permits you to see, recognize and respond to feasible hurdles
• Drive sober. Liquor and medication have an effect on judgment, stability, and response time. Often make a prepare for a risk-free journey home
• Buckle up. Donning a seat belt offers you the very best protection against personal injury and death
• Allow at the very least a a few-2nd pursuing distance among you and the car or truck in front of you
• Do not use specified bike lanes for parking, passing, or turning and
• Pass to the remaining of a bicycle, letting at the very least three toes of clearance.
The KOHS provides the subsequent suggestions for motorcyclists:
• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet
• Use change indicators for just about every turn or lane improve, and blend them with hand alerts
• Wear brightly colored protective gear and use reflective tape and stickers to raise visibility
• Position in the lane where most noticeable to other motorists
• Pay awareness by averting any motion that requires your eyes, your ears, or your mind off the highway and targeted visitors
• Obey the pace restrict. Driving at the posted restrict allows you to see, discover and react to possible road blocks
• Ride sober. Alcoholic beverages and/or medication can impair your judgment, coordination and response time and
• Take a rider-training course. Uncover info at www.msf-usa.org
The KOHS gives the pursuing recommendations for bicyclists:
• Wear a properly-fitted helmet that fulfills the Client Product Security Fee requirements
• Use hand indicators when switching lanes or turning
• Wear brightly coloured protecting gear and use reflective tape and stickers to enhance visibility
• Pay consideration by preventing any action that will take your eyes, your ears or your thoughts off the street and visitors
• Scan forward for attainable obstacles in your route, these as parked cars or automobiles pulling out or into parking areas or driveways
• Ride in the exact same route as website traffic
• Check your products just before using. Make sure your brakes are doing the job and tires are appropriately inflated
• Never trip impaired. Liquor and/or drugs can impair your judgment, coordination, and response time.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet