The onset of spring in Georgia coincides with the onset of motorcycle riding season. So, perhaps it is no coincidence that the month of May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is promoting the safety awareness campaign with a “Share the Road” effort.
It is no secret to most motorcyclists that the lack of awareness by other motorists is one of the primary causes of motorcycle accidents. Many drivers simply are not doing a good job of keeping their eyes open for motorcycles — something that is imperative for increasing the safety of those who are riding on these smaller-profile vehicles. Of course, the NHTSA is also promoting efforts that motorcyclists themselves can take to help with this effort, namely to make themselves more visible to motorists.
Motorcycle riders and passengers can make themselves more visible by wearing bright colors and recognizing that there are parts of the road in relation to driver that may be “blind spots.” Many motorcycle safety courses teach riders to drive to the left or right of a lane of traffic — in essence, in an area where the motorcyclists would be visible in the side mirrors of a vehicle.
Everyone can do their part to promote motorcycle safety this month. But, for all of the good that hopefully comes from these public awareness campaigns, motorcycle accidents will still occur. When they do, the victims may be able to pursue compensation in civil court if the accident was caused by another motorist’s lack of awareness.
Source: nhtsa.gov, “May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month,” Accessed May 14, 2016