Source: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/web-cyc.htm

How Many Motorcycles Have YOU Seen Today?

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. . . . LOOK AGAIN !

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More motorcycles are on the road today than ever before. The predominate cause of crashes is the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. To avoid crashes and reduce injuries and fatalities, motorists should pay special attention to people riding motorcycles. This special attention starts with an awareness of motorcycles, an understanding of what to expect from motorcycles, and knowledge of where most crashes are likely to occur.

Facts About Motorcycles:
Awareness

The diversity of the motorcycling community is reflective of the general population. The rider you see on the road may be a teacher, welder, secretary, doctor, etc. Motorcyclists are often your relatives, friends, and neighbors.

In Texas during 1993, the number of licensed motorcyclists was nearly 685,000. In the same year, there were 157 motorcycle fatalities and 3,937 injuries in 4,026 reported crashes.

When motorcycle related crashes occur, 75 percent of them involved a collision with another vehicle, usually a passenger car.

More than 50% of all crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger car occurred because the motorist did not see the motorcycle (or did not see it soon enough to respond.)

What Motorists Can Do:

Put On Your CYCLEVISION

To decrease the number of motorcycle crashes, it is imperative that motorists increase their awareness, understanding, and respect of motorcyclists. There is no magical formula; however, motorists can take an active role to ensure their safety and the safety of riders.

The first step is to ask yourself: �How many motorcycles did I see today?� Then, look again, to assure that you have looked for motorcycles and automobiles. This is what we call putting on your CYCLEVISION. Putting on your CYCLEVISION is a mental attitude and an awareness that motorcycles are everywhere.

The Challenge Of Motorcycling:
Another Point Of View

Here are a few important facts to help motorists understand the challenges of motorcycling:

Size & Visibility
Motorists are familiar with looking for other cars, not motorcycles. Motorcycles are smaller than cars and trucks, therefore, they are harder to see. It is also difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed and distance accurately.

Maneuvering & Obstacles

A motorcycle occupies 4 feet of a 12 foot lane in traffic. The motorcyclist moves within the lane, adjusting to changing driving conditions – the road, the weather, or other vehicles. While motorcyclists typically ride in the left portion of a lane, they may move suddenly to get out of a motorist’s blind spot. Remember, motorcycles use as much of the lane as cars do – just not all at one time.

Vulnerability

Motorcycles do not have protective exteriors like cars and, therefore, are more vulnerable to a variety of elements.

Even with the proper clothing and helmets, motorcyclists are at a higher risk of injury, should they be involved in a crash.

Motorcyclists are more affected by bad weather such as rain, high winds, and ice.

Understanding the challenges faced by motorcyclists can help motorists see another point of view while driving. Drivers can then anticipate the rider’s moves and perhaps help prevent a crash from occurring. This is an essential part of driving with your CYCLEVISION turned on. Knowing where automobile and motorcycle crashes frequently occur is the next element of CYCLEVISION.

Typical Problem Spots:
Look, and then Look Again !

1. Intersections
The most frequent cause of multi-vehicle crashes is a motorist turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Anywhere two vehicles’ paths can cross creates a danger point for both motorcycles and automobiles. This includes driveways, parking lots, and side street entrances. When vehicles slow, stop, or turn, the possibility for a collision is greatly increased.

2. Two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction
Motorcycles may be difficult to see and are susceptible to crashes when they are changing lanes, passing cars, or being passed. Crashes often occur when motorists follow motorcycles too closely or try to share their lane.

3. External Conditions
Weather and road conditions make driving difficult for everyone, but the motorcyclist feels the external factors to a much greater degree.

Drive Responsibly:
Take An Active Role

Every driving situation is different and must be dealt with accordingly. Motorists that put on their CYCLEVISION look for, understand, and respect motorcycles sharing the roadway. Applying these suggestions is the responsibility of the motorist.

1. Actively look for motorcycles anytime you are on the road. Expect to see motorcycles, not just another car. Do not trust your mirrors because motorcycles can be hidden in your blind spot. Instead, turn and look over your shoulder. Drivers should look twice at intersections before proceeding. Being alert and paying special attention to motorcycles is essential to driving responsibly.

2. Keep in mind the motorcyclist’s point of view. Remember, motorcyclists move around on the road. Anticipate their movements, particularly in the places where crashes are most likely to occur.

3. Give the motorcycle the same space and respect that you would give other vehicles. Do not forget that they use the whole lane of traffic, even though it is not all at one time. Always give them a full lane and remember not to follow too closely. Allow a two to three second safety cushion between you and the motorcycle and increase it to four to five seconds when road or weather conditions are bad.

4. Be courteous. Let the motorcyclist know well in advance when you are planning to stop, turn, or change lanes. Do not speed up when a motorcycle is passing you. Never cut in too closely after passing a motorcycle. Remember that the person underneath that helmet could be someone you know.
CYCLEVISION is a mental attitude that motorists apply to help decrease the number of motorcycle crashes each year. Drivers that put on their CYCLEVISION are consciously aware of motorcycles and recognize potential crash areas. Each time you drive your automobile, put on your CYCLEVISION and ask yourself:

�How many motorcycles did I see today?� Then,
Look Again !

 

Of particular interest:
A motorcyclist has the use of the same 12 ft of roadway as you do. Just because we tend to use only 4 of it at a time, does not mean that we will not have need of all of it. Please, don’t crowd us, or try to “share” our space. It can mean life and death for us.