PennDOT Reminds Motorists To Share The Road During ‘Ride To Work Day’

There are currently over 835,000 licensed motorcyclists in Pennsylvania. National and state research consistently identifies motorists as being at-fault in more than half of all multi-vehicle motorcycle-involved collisions, according to PennDOT. Data shows, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 27 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and 5 times more likely to be injured.

Additionally, improper use of a vehicle’s rear-view and side-view mirrors can contribute to collisions, particularly with smaller vehicles like motorcycles. With roughly 40 percent of a vehicle’s outer perimeter zones hidden by blind spots, improper adjustment, or lack of use of one’s side-view mirrors can have dire consequences for motorcyclists.

“The message seems simple – Share the Road – but while driving, motorists must be vigilant about watching for motorcycles,” said Joseph Dubovi, District Executive of PennDOT’s District 10, which includes Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Indiana and Jefferson counties.

Some safety tips motorists can keep in mind to more effectively share the road with motorcycles include:

• Be aware that motorcycles are smaller than cars and may be difficult to see. Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections.
• Allow more following distance: leave at least four seconds when following a motorcycle.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• Respect a motorcycle as a full-size vehicle with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width as the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions.
• Never drive impaired.

Motorcyclists can do their part to help avoid crashes by following some simple safety tips:

• Be seen by wearing reflective clothing and put reflective tape on your protective clothing and motorcycle. Also, wear face or eye protection and a DOT-approved helmet.
• Use common sense by riding sober, obeying all speed limits, and allowing enough time to react to potentially dangerous situations.
• Know your motorcycle and conduct a pre-ride check.
• Practice safe riding techniques and know how to handle your motorcycle in adverse road and weather conditions.

“Sharing the road safely helps ensure that everyone gets to their destination safely,” said Dubovi.