Motorcycle safety has become a growing concern in the United States, and advocates are stepping forward to spread the word. In the aftermath of a devastating car collision that killed three people on Highway 158, a group of concerned citizens took to the road to hold signs and plead with drivers to watch out for motorcyclists.
The Importance of Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycle safety is a critical issue that affects not only the motorcyclists themselves, but also the people around them. As Noel Leonard, a personal injury lawyer and motorcycle safety advocate, pointed out, “When you’re on a motorcycle, you’re exposed. We’re kind of at people’s mercy and we need people to be looking out.”
Leonard and other advocates, including Chris Best, known as Biker Dad, are driven by personal experience and a desire to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Both have lost dear friends who were involved in motorcycle crashes, and they continue to urge drivers to be mindful when driving near motorcyclists.
Why Drivers Need to Be Vigilant
There are several reasons why drivers need to be vigilant when driving near motorcyclists. For one, motorcyclists are smaller and more vulnerable than car drivers, making them more susceptible to injury or death in the event of a crash. Additionally, motorcyclists often have a hard time being seen by drivers, especially at night or in heavy traffic.
- Motorcyclists are more prone to injury due to their smaller size and lack of protection
- They are often less visible to drivers, especially at night or in heavy traffic
- They may not have the same level of protection as car drivers, such as airbags and seatbelts
What Can Drivers Do?
So, what can drivers do to help prevent motorcycle crashes? First and foremost, drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye out for motorcyclists. This means being mindful of blind spots, checking mirrors, and using headlights at night. Drivers should also be cautious when merging onto a road or changing lanes, as motorcyclists may be caught off guard.
Additionally, drivers can support motorcycle safety efforts by spreading the word and supporting organizations that advocate for motorcyclist safety. By working together, we can reduce the number of motorcycle crashes and keep our roads safer.
Advocates Call for Action
A group of advocates, including Leonard and Best, are calling on drivers to take action to prevent motorcycle crashes. They plan to hold pop-up rallies and other events to spread the word and bring attention to the issue.
“We tell it to each other all the time, but we’re on the bike so we don’t need to hear it,” Best said. “All the people driving by on this road where the tragedy happened need to hear it.”
As vehicles passed by, horns were honked at those holding the signs, letting them know they’re seen and heard.
Supporting Motorcycle Safety Efforts
Away from the rally, Leonard and Best are continuing to spread the word about motorcycle safety. They are working with local organizations and law enforcement to educate drivers about the importance of being aware of motorcyclists on the road.
“When you’re on a motorcycle, you’re exposed,” Leonard repeated. “We’re kind of at people’s mercy and we need people to be looking out.”
Conclusion
Motorcycle safety is a critical issue that affects us all. By being aware of our surroundings and taking steps to prevent motorcycle crashes, we can keep our roads safer.
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