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With 122 injuries, deaths from St. Lawrence County motorcycle crashes in 3 years, Traffic Safety Program providing safety tips

Posted 8/12/12

The St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program is stressing the need for the increasing number of motorcyclists in the county, and drivers of other motor vehicles, to take some steps to try to cut …

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With 122 injuries, deaths from St. Lawrence County motorcycle crashes in 3 years, Traffic Safety Program providing safety tips

Posted

The St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program is stressing the need for the increasing number of motorcyclists in the county, and drivers of other motor vehicles, to take some steps to try to cut the number of accidents with motorcycles.

Motorcycle registrations in St. Lawrence County have increased from 2435 in 2003 to 4329 in 2010.

From 2008 to 2010 in St. Lawrence County, there were 122 motorcycle collisions involving death or injury.

More drivers than ever are using motorcycles as a means of transportation. For many, motorcycle riding is a way to save money on gas during challenging economic times. For others, a motorcycle represents the dream of the open road and freedom.

Along with the increase in numbers, there has been a rise in traffic crashes and fatalities. Nationwide, motorcycles account for only 2 percent of registered vehicles, but motorcycle collisions represent one in seven traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Motorcycle riders are 34 times more likely to die in traffic collisions than drivers of automobiles.

The St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program is issuing the following reminders from the Department of Transportation and Motorcycle Safety Foundation to help motorcycle riders and motorists share the road safely:

Motorists:

• Expect motorcycles: Look twice for motorcyclists, especially at intersections, entering highways and whenever turning or changing lanes.

• Respect their vulnerability: Always maintain a safe following distance. Allow a full lane for the motorcycle.

• Be mindful that many motorcycle operators are fairly new and inexperienced. Be considerate and make allowances when appropriate.

Motorcyclists:

• Dress for Safety: Cyclists should wear a DOT-approved helmet, leather or other protective clothing, boots, gloves, and goggles or face shield.

• Be visible: Wear reflective gear, use your headlights, and watch out for driver’s blind spots.

• Be prepared: Make sure your bike is road-worthy. Practice riding and get training in defensive riding strategies. Don’t ride after drinking any alcohol. Even a .05 perecnt blood alcohol content (below the legal threshold for DWI) increases your crash risk nearly 40-fold.

• Drive defensively: Constantly scan the road for changing conditions. Slow down, and give yourself - and other motorists - the time and space to respond.

The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office would also remind motorcyclists that modifications to a factory muffler installation normally results in noise emissions greater than what is legally allowed. Any motorcycle with ‘straight pipes’ is in violation of the equipment provisions. Officers can issue a ticket if a motorcycle isn’t in compliance with the sections of the Vehicle and Traffic Law that deals with alteration or removal of a muffler.