Spring Brings Motorcycle Weather

Spring is here, and with that brings warmer weather and motorcycles on our roadways. Over the past three years, there have been more than 160 motorcycle fatalities across Connecticut. During that same period, motorcycle crashes have caused more than 2,700 injuries for riders and their passengers in our state. While we saw a reduction in fatal and serious injuries last year compared to the five-year average, these numbers are still unacceptable as we move toward zero deaths in Connecticut. Since motorcycles do not offer the same protections that other motor vehicles provide, motorcyclists must be hypervigilant and ensure they are doing everything they can to avoid collisions and keep themselves and their passengers safe. Here are some good tips for motorcycle operators to follow as they start to enjoy the warmer weather:

1. Always wear a DOT approved helmet. Even though there is currently no helmet law in Connecticut, the benefits of wearing a helmet for everyone on a motorcycle are staggering. Recently, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that “motorcycle helmets are 37 percent (for riders) and 41 percent (for passengers) effective in preventing deaths and the risk of head injury by 69 percent.”

2. Maintain your equipment. Just like how you maintain your automobile, you must ensure that all the equipment on your motorcycle is in good working order. Be aware that with less points of contact with the roadway, having safe tires on your motorcycle is of paramount importance. Also, making sure your headlights and signals are working properly will ensure other roadway users have the opportunity to see you and know your intentions.

3. Continue to learn about safe operation. Even if you have been operating a motorcycle for years, there are always benefits to increasing your knowledge and skills. Through the Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) for Motorcycle Safety, there are courses that teach basic, intermediate, experienced, and advanced skills to help enhance your riding abilities. Never stop learning and always do anything you can to become a safer operator!

4. Follow all traffic laws and ride defensively. Motorcycle operators should always obey traffic laws and not take any unnecessary risks, especially when it comes to speed. Since motorcycles offer little occupant protection, even minor crashes can cause severe injuries to operators and their passengers. Also, motorcycle operators should always take into account that not all other drivers will see them, and drive defensively to make sure they have the time and distance to take any necessary evasive action. Never assume that someone sees you!

5. Never operate while impaired! Alcohol, marijuana, and even some prescription medication can impair your ability to operate a motorcycle safely. Impairment will reduce your reaction time, your balance, and your judgement making the ability to safely operate your motorcycle impossible. Don’t make what can be a fatal mistake, always operate sober.

As we enjoy the great weather this spring and drive throughout our beautiful state, always keep traffic safety on your mind. Remember to look twice, it could save a life.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/policy/hi5/motorcycleinjury/index.html
2. https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Programs/CONREP_Course-Info#41217

For more information on the Safety Circuit Rider Program, our equipment loan program, or assistance with local road safety, contact Melissa Evans or Jason Hughes.