Warm weather means more motorcycles on the roads

Now that we are experiencing temperatures in the 90’s, the warm weather brings an increase in the number of motorcycles on the roads.
There have been projections that point to even more increases in prices for gasoline. Adding to the normal seasonal gas price hikes are the continuing tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine.
As travelers do what they can to counter these increases in gasoline costs, it is a sure bet that more will turn to riding motorcycles. While an increase in the number of motorcyclists presents a challenge of its own, many of these riders will be novices who lack the expertise of more seasoned riders.
Because of their size, motorcycles are, by nature, more difficult to see in traffic. This is just one of the factors that make it more important for other motorists to be vigilant in their travels.
It is always important for drivers to pay attention to their driving and their surroundings, which means they should not be distracted by talking or texting on their phones. But when you add into the equation more motorcycles on the road, that importance becomes exponentially more so.
Because of motorcycles’ reduced visibility, drivers of other vehicles need to be especially careful when making turns and changing lanes.
Motorcycle operators also bear responsibility for their own safety as well.
Motorcyclists should always have their headlights on, regardless of weather conditions.
Driving defensively is rarely more important than while riding a motorcycle. Those riding motorcycles need to be ready to take evasive action quickly to avoid a crash, even when it is the other drivers’ actions that make these maneuvers necessary.
Motorcyclists have the same rights to travel on the roads as drivers of other vehicles. Drivers of other vehicles need to accept this and realize they have an obligation to practice safe driving skills while keeping in mind that this is the time of year more motorcycles are going to be on the roads.
Like all motor vehicle crashes, it usually comes down to one driver or the other being at fault. Motorcyclists may not be at fault for a crash, but it is likely they will end up with more serious injuries than the driver of the other vehicle. For this reason, it doesn’t much matter if the motorcyclist has the right-of-way, he or she could very likely end up with the short end of the stick.
This article is a public service from the Community Policing/Crime Prevention Division of the Lake Township Police Department. Township residents may obtain further information on crime prevention and public safety topics by contacting Ron Craig, crime prevention specialist/community policing officer, at 419-481-6354.