Motorcycle Awareness Month arrives, but road hazards remain

With the arrival of Motorcycle Awareness Month in May, the spotlight on safety and sharing the road with these adventurous two-wheelers comes to the attention of America’s public, especially other motorists. However, too often, drivers of cars, pickups, SUVs and large trucks wind up in mishaps with motorcyclists.

And you know that the motorcyclist along with his or her passengers will suffer the most from collisions, many of which are avoidable. Often, the circumstances surrounding a motor vehicle-motorcycle collision is bewildering. Too often a car driver’s inattention, drunken behavior and lack of awareness contribute to these collisions that may lead to catastrophic or fatal injuries to motorcyclists.

Other vehicle drivers, road hazards

Too many people are injured and too many people die each year in motorcycle accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2018, an estimated 82,000 motorcyclists were hurt in accidents. Also, 4,985 motorcyclists died that same year in the U.S. A total of 47 of those fatalities occurred in Utah.

Potential danger exists on every road and at every turn for a motorcyclist. Here are some of the reasons other motorists cause collisions with motorcycles:

• Inattentive or distracted driving: Motorcyclists often are taken for granted by other motorists who may not be paying attention. Their minds may wander or they may be eating or texting while driving.
• Ignoring traffic laws: Sadly, when this happens, tragedy often strikes. A car that blows through a stop sign or races through a red light can cause untold hurt.
• Drowsy driving: Remaining alert is key for any driver. Fatigue, though, surfaces, and a car can drift into the next lane striking a motorcycle.
• Alcohol and drug use: Too often we learn of tragic accidents caused by motorists drunk or high on drugs.

If you ask a motorcyclist and his or her family, every month should be Motorcycle Awareness Month. Too often, we learn about collisions involving motorcycles and much larger vehicles. The resulting injuries, sometimes, lead to permanent disabilities. Every day, motorists should remain aware and alert to motorcycles.