ENID – The Enid Police Department says as the weather gets warmer, they are reminding motorists that two wheeled vehicles will be everywhere this summer. Officers are encouraging drivers to share the road, as they released the following statement over the weekend:
“With warmer weather arriving The Enid Police Department would like for all drivers to participate in the National Share The Road Campaign. As part of the campaign, June 17, 2019, is recognized as National Ride To Work Day for Motorcyclists and we would like our roadways to be safe for everyone.
Motorcycle crashes involving another motor vehicle continue to account for nearly half of all motorcyclist fatalities in the United States. Motorcyclists are inherently at more risk than motor vehicles because they lack many of the same safety features of automobiles. From a statistical perspective, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash than other motorists. NHTSA (Nations Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has a vested interest in addressing the types of motorist behaviors that pose a risk to motorcyclists. In years past, and enshrined in statutory language, these efforts have been bundled under the moniker of “Share The Road”
The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), Public Law 114-94, directed the Secretary (Department of Transportation, DOT) to develop and provide to the States model language for use in traffic safety education courses, driver’s manuals, and other driver’s training materials instructing the drivers of motor vehicles on the importance of sharing the roads safely with motorcyclists. Most states apply for and receive discretionary funding from the department to use to develop and implement programs aimed at motorists to increase awareness of behaviors that maximize motorcyclist safety.
Motorcyclists and vehicle drivers alike: Never ride while impaired or distracted—it is not worth the risk of killing or injuring yourself or someone else. Always remember to Share the Road.
Twenty-seven percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2016 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses. Ride safe and Share the Road!
Motorcyclists: Never drink and drive! In 2016, 55% of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol-impaired. Drive safe and Share the Road!
Motorcyclists: NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,859 motorcyclists in 2016. Wear your DOT-compliant helmet and Share the Road!
Motorist Tip: Motorcycles operate differently than other vehicles, and motorcyclists do not always use their brakes at the same times that cars do. Always keep an eye out for motorcycles and remember to Share the Road.
A car has almost 40 percent of it covered by blind spots, which can make it more difficult to spot a small motorcycle. Stay alert and Share the Road!
Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be hard to see in traffic. Motorcyclists and motorists alike should always remember to Share the Road.
In 2016, there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, a 5-percent increase from 2015 (5,029). Save a motorcyclist—Share the Road.
Those driving lanes are smaller than they seem. Share the Road, but not the lane.
Motorist Tip: Signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic so that motorcyclists can anticipate your movement and find a safe lane position. Remember to Share the Road.
