DARTMOUTH — As the weather gets warmer and more motorcyclists are out on the road, Chief Brian Levesque and the Dartmouth Police Department wish to remind drivers to be aware of motorcycles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 5,014 motorcyclists killed in crashes in 2019 and motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to die in a crash than those in passenger cars, based on vehicle miles traveled. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), in 2018 there were 59 motorcyclist fatalities in Massachusetts, accounting for 16% of all motor vehicle-related fatalities.
The Dartmouth Police Department wishes to share the following safety tips from MassDOT to help keep motorcyclists safe:
- Allow motorcycles the full width of a lane at all times.
- Whether in a car or truck, or on a motorcycle — ALWAYS signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
- Motorcycles can be hard to see. Check all mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
- Allow more follow distance — three to four seconds — when behind a motorcycle. This gives the rider more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
- Never drive distracted or impaired.
Additionally, motorcyclists should:
- Wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet and other protective gear while riding.
- Use both hand and turn signals for every lane change or turn.
- Ride in the middle of the lane, where you are most visible to other drivers.
- Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings; ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles; and always check behind you and signal before you change lanes. Never weave between lanes.
- Ride defensively. Many multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes are caused when other drivers simply didn’t see a motorcyclist.
- Check your motorcycle before every ride to ensure everything is in proper working condition, including tire pressure and tread, hand and foot brakes, headlights and signal indicators.
- Secure all cargo and balance the load on the motorcycle. Adjust the suspension and tire pressure to accommodate the extra weight as well.
- If you are riding with a passenger, have them mount the motorcycle after the engine has started. Passengers should sit as far forward as possible, directly behind the driver, and should keep both feet on the foot rests at all times. Remind your passenger to keep their legs and feet away from the muffler.
More information about motorcycle safety can be found on the state’s website here or on the NHTSA website here.
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