As the weather turns warmer, and more motorcyclists take to the road, the St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program is warning drivers on two, three, four or more wheels to consider some tips during May, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Mary Davison, Traffic Safety Information Specialist for the St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program, says there are good reasons to pay special attention to motorcycle safety.

“Fatal crashes with motorcycles are on the rise, and helmet usage is on the decline. All motorists need to know how to anticipate and respond to motorcyclists to avoid fatal crashes,” Davison said.

While the total number of motorcycle fatalities decreased from 2013 to 2014, those deaths account for 14 percent of total highway fatalities that year, despite motorcycle registrations representing only 3 percent of all vehicles in the United States in 2014.

Injured motorcyclists also decreased from 93,000 in 2013 to 88,000 in 2014. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 1,630 lives were saved in 2014 because of proper helmet usage, but another 715 lives could have been saved if helmets had been worn.

Wearing a helmet is an important way for a motorcyclist to stay safe, but we all play a part.

Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road that any other motorist has.

“It’s up to all motorists and motorcyclists to make our roads safer,” said Davison. “It’s especially important for motorists to understand motorcycle safety challenges such as size and visibility, and riding practices like downshifting and weaving to be able to anticipate and respond to motorcyclist behavior.”

She also offered general tips to drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:

• Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.

• 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 or is not turning before proceeding.

• Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.

• Always allow more follow distance – three to four seconds – when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

• Never drive distracted or impaired.

“Motorcyclists must also take precautions to remain safe on the road,” added Davison.

Motorcyclists can increase their safety by following these steps:

• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.

• Get properly licensed. Consider taking a rider safety course sponsored by the NY State DMV and the motorcycle safety foundation ( http://www.nysmsp.org/).

• Obey all traffic laws.

• Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.

• Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.

• Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.

• Never ride distracted or impaired.

“By following basic safety rules, we can all help prevent crashes,” said. Davison “Our message is for all drivers and riders: Share the responsibility of keeping our roads safe—always share the road.”

For more information on motorcycle safety visit www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles or contact Ms. Davison at mdavison@stlawco.org.