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TextMay is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 10/drg/LHC
May 7, 2010
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
In 2009, there were 79 motorcyclists killed on Virginia roadways; three of those fatal crashes were in Fairfax County. So far in 2010, two motorcyclists have lost their lives in Fairfax County. With the advent of warmer weather, and in observance of Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, the Fairfax County Police Department urges all motorists to be aware of all those they share the road with, including their two-wheeled roadway neighbors.
Motorcycles are popular statewide for both recreation and basic transportation. To prevent crashes, motorists need to share the road and watch for motorcycles in traffic, especially at intersections and while making turns or lane changes. Education and training continue to be our most important tools for improving motorcycle safety. Riding a motorcycle is vastly different than driving a car or truck. To improve their safe driving skills, motorcycle riders, especially those who have not ridden for many years, should consider taking a motorcycle safety course.
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Traffic Safety Division would like to take this opportunity to enhance motorcycle riders’ awareness by providing a few safety tips:
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS
Be Visible:
• Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and
reacting in time.
• Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.
• Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your
motorcycle.
• Be aware of car and truck blind spots.
Dress for Safety:
• Wear a quality, DOT approved, helmet and eye protection.
• Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet.
• Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing.
• Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
Know your bike and how to use it:
• Get formal training and take refresher courses.
• Call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 800.446.9227 to find a
hands-on safety course
Ride Straight:
• Having any alcohol in one’s body increases the chance of crashing by
five times.
• You are 40 times more likely to crash with a Blood Alcohol Content
greater than 0.05 percent.
• 46 percent of all motorcyclists killed in crashes were using
alcohol.
Remember: Give yourself space. People driving cars often just do not see motorcycles. Even when drivers do see you, chances are they have never been on a motorcycle and cannot properly judge your speed.
For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov
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