‘Tis the season to be careful around motorcyclists

The motorcycle accident lawyers of MotorEagles warn all motorists to exercise extra caution.

It’s a fact that more and more motorcycles are taking to the road every day, and at no time is this more evident than during the warmer months.

As skies clear up and temperatures rise, the number of motorcycles on the road increases for obvious reasons: Most bikers – especially those in northern and Midwestern states – have been cooped up in the cockpit of a passenger vehicle all winter and it’s high time to get out and ride.

But this increase in motorcycle traffic also increases the possibility for tragedy, as motorcycle-involved collisions tend to be some of the most violent on the road. That’s why it’s every driver’s responsibility to make the road as safe as possible for motorcyclists.

Simply by virtue of their design, motorcycle riders face much greater risks each time they get out on the road.

“Yes, it’s more dangerous, just due to the configuration of a bike,” said Ohio Highway Patrol Sgt. Tim Karwatske.” You ride on the bike, not inside it like with a car, a van or a pickup truck.”

He offered a few common-sense tips for riders to increase their level of safety out on the road with other vehicles:

1. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Whether it’s beer or liquor, illicit drugs or even prescription medication, the safest bet is not to ride under the influence of anything.
2. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and any other available safety gear.
3. Riders should have proper training on motorcycle riding before they ride.
4. Riders in Ohio, as in many other states, need to have the proper endorsement attached to their motor vehicle operators’ licenses to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads.

Karwatske reinforced the reality of how devastating motorcycle wrecks can be, especially fatal ones, both physically and emotionally, for everyone touched by them.

“Any fatality is particularly devastating for everyone involved – the family of the deceased, the other parties involved in the incident - everyone involved,” Karwatske said. “Even law enforcement officers – we go through stressors as we investigate fatalities. No one likes to investigate a fatality. Motorcycle or otherwise, fatalities are a bad thing.”

The Ohio state Highway Patrol’s Web site features links to various motorcycle awareness campaigns, including the Ride Smart, Drive Smart campaign – a partnership between the American Motorcyclist Association and the highway patrol which promotes sharing the road safely. Visit the Ohio Highway Patrol Web site – www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/programs.htm - for more details.