According to a New York DMV Press Release, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) has raised an alarm over a disturbing trend: fatal motorcycle crashes in New York have surged by 52 percent since 2019. This extraordinary jump in numbers highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures among all road users.
Alarming Increase in Motorcycle Fatalities
According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR) at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College, the number of fatal motorcycle crashes rose from 132 in 2019 to 201 in 2021. This significant jump highlights the growing risks motorcyclists face on New York’s roadways.
Call for Vigilance
GTSC Chair and DMV Commissioner called on both motorists and riders to be more vigilant and share the road responsibly. He stated, “Motorists and riders must share the road and be vigilant. The crash data we cite are not just numbers; they are your friends, family, and neighbors. Motorcycle safety has long been a priority for New York, and by calling attention to this issue, we’re hoping to avoid another tragedy.”
New York State Motorcycle Safety Program
Helmet Mandate and Safety Training
New York has been at the forefront of motorcycle safety for decades. It was the first state to mandate the wearing of motorcycle helmets, a critical measure in protecting riders. Additionally, New York has sustained a rider-funded motorcycle safety training and awareness program for over 20 years, known as the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP).
Training Course Details
The NYSMSP utilizes a nationally recognized training curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The courses are designed to equip riders with essential skills and knowledge, including:
- Effective Turning and Braking Maneuvers: Riders learn how to navigate turns and stop their motorcycles safely.
- Tips to Avoid Obstacles: The training covers techniques to steer clear of road hazards.
- Strategies for Navigating Traffic: Riders are taught how to anticipate and react to traffic conditions to stay safe.
- Selecting Appropriate Protective Apparel: The importance of wearing the right gear to minimize injuries in case of an accident.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Basic maintenance tasks to ensure motorcycles are in good working condition, reducing the risk of mechanical failures on the road.
Importance of Motorcycle Safety
The New York DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair emphasized the vulnerability of motorcyclists and the shared responsibility of all road users: “Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable people on the road. Every driver plays a role in motorcycle safety. We ask all drivers to do their part by avoiding distractions, sharing the road, keeping their eyes open for motorcycles, and allowing more space between their vehicle and riders. These steps could ultimately save a life.”
Tips for Car and Truck Drivers to Keep Motorcyclists Safe in New York
Here are some detailed safety tips for motorists to help prevent motorcycle accidents and ensure everyone’s well-being.
Watch for Motorcycles
Motorcycles become more prevalent on the road, particularly during the spring and summer months when riding is most popular. As a driver, you should always be aware of motorcycles around you. They are smaller than cars and can easily be overlooked, so keep an eye out for them in traffic, especially in areas where motorcyclists are known to frequent.
Yield to Motorcycles
Motorcycles may travel faster than they appear, so never turn quickly in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Give them the right of way as you would with any other vehicle. Sudden movements can surprise motorcyclists and lead to severe accidents.
Look Twice and Save a Life
Before changing lanes or making any turn, check your mirrors and blind spots thoroughly. Motorcycles can be hard to spot due to their size. Additionally, at busy intersections, always take an extra moment to look for motorcycles before proceeding. This extra check can prevent accidents and save lives.
Be a Responsible Driver
Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition. Regularly check your brakes, tires, lights, and other safety equipment. Follow all traffic laws, signs, and signals diligently. If you are carrying items, make sure they are securely fastened to prevent any hazards on the road.
Stay Focused on the Road and Your Surroundings
Avoid all forms of distractions while driving. This includes using your cell phone, eating, or engaging in other activities that take your attention away from driving. Your primary focus should be on the road and the vehicles around you to ensure safe driving.
Drive Sober
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired driving significantly increases the risk of accidents and endangers everyone on the road. If you see someone who is impaired, discourage them from driving and help them find a safe way to get to their destination.
By adhering to these detailed safety tips, drivers can contribute to a safer road environment for everyone, including motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. It’s everyone’s responsibility to make our roads safer and prevent accidents.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists in New York City
Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but safety must always be your top priority. Here are some detailed motorcycle safety tips to ensure you ride safely and protect yourself and others on the road.
Protect Your Head
Always wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection. Helmets are crucial in reducing the risk of head injuries and can greatly increase your chances of surviving an accident. Avoid “novelty helmets,” as they do not meet safety standards and offer minimal protection. In fact, using them on New York roadways is illegal. Ensure your helmet fits properly and is in good condition to provide maximum safety.
Wear Proper Riding Gear
Invest in high-quality riding gear that can protect you during a fall. This includes over-the-ankle boots, full-finger gloves with padding, and jackets and pants equipped with armor protection at key impact points. Wearing the right gear can significantly reduce injuries in the event of an accident. Look for materials that offer abrasion resistance and impact protection, and ensure they fit comfortably.
Increase Your Visibility
Being seen by other drivers is vital for your safety. Wear high-visibility vests and clothing with reflective features, especially during low-light conditions or at night. Consider adding reflective tape to your gear and motorcycle. Bright colors and reflective materials can help other motorists see you from a distance, reducing the likelihood of collisions.
Maintain Your Motorcycle
Keeping your motorcycle in excellent working condition is crucial. Regularly check all lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, to ensure they are functioning correctly. Make sure your horn works and adjust both mirrors for optimal visibility. Check your tires regularly for proper inflation and sufficient tread depth, as good traction is essential for safe handling and braking in various conditions. Regular maintenance checks can prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
Stay Alert and Aware
A high level of awareness while riding is essential. Constantly scan the roadway for potential hazards such as debris, potholes, and erratic drivers. Stay alert to changes in traffic conditions and be prepared to react quickly. If you feel tired or fatigued, take a break to rest and re-energize. Riding while tired can impair your judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
Ride Sober
Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired riding significantly increases the risk of accidents and can have severe consequences. Encourage other riders to make safe choices as well. Riding sober ensures you have full control of your motorcycle and can react appropriately to any situation on the road.
Be Cautious When Turning Left
Turning left is a common scenario for crashes between cars and motorcycles. When preparing to cross traffic or make a left turn, take an extra moment to ensure it is safe to proceed. Double-check for oncoming vehicles and be cautious of any sudden movements from other drivers. Being vigilant in these situations can help prevent collisions.
Slow Down
Speeding is the leading cause of traffic accidents. Always adhere to speed limits and ride at a safe speed that allows you to maintain control of your motorcycle. Slowing down gives you more time to react to unexpected obstacles or changes in traffic conditions. Remember, it’s better to arrive safely than to risk your life by speeding.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Always maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Use the “two-second rule” as a guideline to ensure you have enough space to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic. This means when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, you should be able to count at least two seconds before you pass the same point. Keeping a safe following distance reduces the risk of rear-end collisions.
Obey Traffic Laws
Observing and obeying all traffic laws, signs, and signals is essential for your safety and the safety of others. Follow speed limits, yield to pedestrians, and stop at red lights and stop signs. Adhering to traffic rules reduces the likelihood of accidents and helps create a safer road environment for everyone.
Communicate with Other Drivers
Clearly communicate your intentions to other motorists. Signal your turns using your directional lights or hand signals. Before stopping, flash your brake light periodically to alert drivers behind you. Making your actions predictable to other drivers helps prevent accidents and ensures smoother traffic flow.
By following these detailed motorcycle safety tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidents and enjoy a safer riding experience. Stay safe, be responsible, and always prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Motorcyclists Face a 28 Times Higher Risk of Fatalities and 4 Times Higher Risk of Injuries: NHTSA Data
Motorcyclists occupy a unique space on the roads, enjoying the freedom of two wheels but also facing significantly higher risks than drivers of enclosed vehicles. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these risks are stark and underscore the importance of motorcycle safety awareness and precautions.
Increased Fatality Risk
Motorcyclists face a dramatically heightened risk of fatal accidents compared to drivers of passenger cars. The NHTSA data reveals that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a fatal accident than occupants of other vehicles. This statistic highlights the vulnerability inherent in riding motorcycles, where the absence of protective structures around the rider leaves them more exposed to severe injuries and fatalities in collisions.
Elevated Injury Rates
Beyond the elevated fatality risk, motorcyclists also experience a significantly increased likelihood of sustaining injuries in accidents. The NHTSA data indicates that motorcyclists are four times more likely to be injured in crashes compared to occupants of cars. The lack of protective barriers inherent in motorcycles, coupled with their smaller size and reduced visibility on the road, contribute to this heightened risk.
Factors Contributing to an Increased Risk of Injuries to Motorcyclists in NYC
Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road due to a combination of factors that significantly increase the likelihood of accidents and severe injuries compared to drivers of enclosed vehicles like cars.
Lack of Structural Protection
One of the most critical factors contributing to the heightened risk for motorcyclists is the absence of structural protection inherent in cars. Unlike cars, motorcycles lack the protective enclosure of a vehicle body. This means that riders are directly exposed to impacts during accidents, leading to more severe injuries.
In a collision, the human body absorbs the force of impact without the benefit of crumple zones, airbags, or vehicle frames to mitigate the damage. As a result, injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents tend to be more severe and can include fractures, internal injuries, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Lack of Protections such as Airbags, Seat Belts, and Others
Motorcycles do not come equipped with safety features common in cars, such as airbags and seat belts. These safety devices play a crucial role in reducing injuries and fatalities by restraining occupants and cushioning impact forces during collisions. Without these protections, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to being ejected from their bikes upon impact, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.
Visibility and Awareness Challenges
Motorcycles are inherently smaller and less visible than cars on the road, which poses significant visibility challenges. Other drivers often fail to notice motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Factors contributing to visibility issues include:
- Size and Profile: Motorcycles have a narrower profile and occupy less space on the road compared to cars, making them easier to overlook in traffic.
- Low Contrast: Motorcycles may blend into the background, especially in poor lighting conditions or congested traffic, reducing their visibility to other motorists.
- Lane Positioning: Motorcycles may change lanes or position themselves differently than cars, which can surprise other drivers and lead to accidents.
Enhancing motorcycle visibility through the use of bright colors, reflective gear, and headlight modulation systems can help mitigate these visibility challenges and improve safety on the road.
Riding Dynamics and Skill Requirements
Operating a motorcycle requires specific skills related to balance, maneuverability, and braking that differ significantly from driving a car. These dynamics make motorcycles more challenging to control, particularly for inexperienced riders or those lacking proper training. Factors contributing to riding dynamics risks include:
- Maneuverability: Motorcycles are more agile than cars, allowing riders to navigate through traffic and tight spaces. With that said, this agility requires precise handling and decision-making to avoid accidents.
- Braking Differences: Motorcycles have separate front and rear brakes, and improper braking techniques can lead to loss of control or skidding, especially in emergency situations.
- Balance and Stability: Maintaining balance at low speeds or during maneuvers such as cornering requires practiced skill and concentration.
Ongoing motorcycle training and skill development are vital for riders to effectively manage these dynamics and reduce the risk of accidents.
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If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, trust our winning team to fight aggressively for your rights. We are dedicated to recovering the maximum compensation you are entitled to. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 212-344-1000 or contact us online.
