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Health & Fitness

Look Twice, Save a Life

Blogger sees motorcycle accident, implores you to be aware of your surroundings, and to watch for vehicles of all sizes.

I saw a car accident today. That's a statement any number of people can say on any given day in Missouri. It's traumatic for anyone to see or to hear. But I didn't simply see a car accident today, I saw an SUV hit a motorcycle.

There were several witnesses - I was first on the scene, with my mother just on my heels. The victim's name was Troy, and he's only 24. I'd like to begin by saying while we (and others that arrived shortly) kept him as still as possible, he WAS moving his hands, arms, legs, and was more coherent than I'd ever expect him to be under the circumstances. After being struck, he flipped through the air, then bounced like a rag doll several feet from where his bike landed. We have no way of having a follow-up with how he is doing, but based on the condition he was in when we reached him, I have hope that he'll experience a full recovery.

Unfortunately, according to NHTSA, motorcyclists are 25 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash. Motorcycle crash-related fatalities have been increasing since 1997, while injuries have been increasing since 1999. More than 100,000 motorcyclists have died in traffic crashes since the enactment of the Highway Safety Act and the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966. 

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Regardless of what you are driving - a car, a truck, an SUV, or - yes - a motorcycle, you MUST be vigilant at all times to prevent these fatalities and injuries. Automobile drivers need to be constantly on the watch for motorcycles, recognizing that motorcyclists have all of the same rights and privileges. They are harder to see, move differently, and are more vulnerable to all hazards and impacts. Simple things like always using your turn signal, consistently checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes can potentially avert disaster.

Motorcyclists are aware that they are at risk - and at all times, must be aware of every larger vehicle around them, in addition to wearing protective gear. They should also simply strive to STAY visible. That will mean allotting for generous following distance, avoiding blind spots of other vehicles, and wearing bright colored clothing.

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The DOT has a list of recommended steps for motorcycle safety.

Motorcycle riders need to:

  • Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time.
  • Be aware of blind spots, especially around large trucks.Watch for potholes, ruts and any other irregular riding surface. Even with constant remedial effort, potholes will present themselves.
  • Work zones require an increased awareness of potential hazards.


All motorists need to:

  • Be alert and aware.
  • Drive defensively.
  • Look twice to prevent violating the right of way of motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cars.

Drivers can avoid crashes with motorcyclists by taking extra care to watch for motorcyclists, especially at intersections, respecting the motorcyclists' space on the road and by not following too closely. 

Motorcycle Awareness Month is in May. We're asking you to please, please, be aware of motorcycles throughout the entire season. American Motorcyclist Association President and CEO Rob Dingman has the same plea, "Unfortunately, many road users are not always mindful of those with whom they share the road, and an annual reminder is helpful for them to recognize the flow of motorcycles in traffic, and make an extra efforts to watch for motorcycles. One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is the fact that drivers don't see motorcycles. Simply put, drivers tell themselves to watch for cars, trucks, buses and pedestrians, but they don't tell always themselves to watch for motorcycles. We want to change that. If all drivers would make a conscious effort to look twice before turning left across the oncoming lane of traffic at an intersection, crashes could be prevented and lives would be saved."

Today, the victim was lucky. Remarkably lucky. Clearly, not everyone is as fortunate. As you drive, please be careful. Those motorcyclists belong to someone's family. This young man is a father, and was headed to pick up his young son. He is someone's son. He could be a brother, an uncle, a husband.

My request to you, when you leave your home tonight, tomorrow, next week, at any time... is to be aware of motorcyclists. They're everywhere.

 

Look twice. Save a life.

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