Now that the warmer weather has (for the most part) arrived, more people operating motorcycles are taking to our roads.

Once again, we believe it important to remind drivers to please be aware of those driving and riding motorcycle — and, incidentally, this applies for people on motor scooters and bicycles.

Remember, there is nothing between them and the road should they be struck by anyone operating a vehicle such as automobile, SUV, van and truck.

It is very easy to start to make a turn or shift into another lane and not see someone on a motorcycle, despite the fact they will be burning their headlights. The blind spot is greater than that of a regular vehicle. Please, do not rely solely upon rearview and sideview mirrors. Turn your head to make absolutely sure the lane is clear for you to turn or shift into.

It only takes a few seconds, but those few seconds can spell the difference between safety and accident, life and death.

For those operating motorcycles, do not give in to the temptation to sometimes weave in and out of traffic, or take risks you would not otherwise do were you operating any other type of motor vehicle.

Remember, responsibility is incumbent upon us all.

Lest you may not be aware, Gov. Perdue has proclaimed May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Below is the following news release and proclamation:

 

RALEIGH — Spring means warm weather and the seasonal return of motorcycles on North Carolina’s highways. Gov. Bev Perdue has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to remind both motorcyclists and other drivers of the importance of motorcycle safety and sharing the road.

“Educating bikers and other drivers about the importance of motorcycle safety and being alert to their surroundings is key to making our state a safer place to travel,” said Perdue.

According to the N.C. Department of Transportation, North Carolina had 142 motorcycle rider fatalities in 2008, down from 192 in 2007. Motorcycles represent nearly 2 percent of all registered vehicles in North Carolina but account for nearly 12 percent of all traffic fatalities. 

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program offers the following tips to motorcyclists and other drivers.

 

Motorcyclists:

• Always wear a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 helmet. It is the law in North Carolina. A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is five times more likely to sustain a critical head injury than a helmeted rider.

• Be visible at all times. This includes wearing bright or reflective clothing.

 

Other drivers:

• Share the road. Motorcyclists have the right to a full lane.

• Stay alert. Be aware that motorcycles can be easily hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot; take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic when changing lanes.

• Keep a safe distance. Allow more following distance behind motorcycles.

• Be cautious. Be aware that turn signals on a motorcycle are not self-cancelling; riders sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change.