Latest news with #DOT-compliant
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Elk Grove PD emphasizes motorcyclist safety as summer approaches
( — As summer temperatures approach Northern California, the Elk Grove Police Department is reminding drivers to always look twice for motorcycles as they hit the road to help reduce crashes and to save lives. EGPD stated that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data showed that 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2022 — which represented 15% of total highway fatalities for that year. In California, EGPD stated that over 630 motorcyclists were killed in 2022, which is an increase of 3.8% from 2021. 'Motorcycles may be difficult to spot, so be extra careful before changing lanes,'EGPD's Traffic Unit, Lieutenant Reggie Williams said. 'A simple double-take canmake a life-saving difference. Motorcycle riders do not have the same protectionsdrivers and passengers do. Let's all do our part to keep each other safe out there.' Fairfield man indicted for failing to pay over $2 million in employment taxes EGPD officials share some tips to keep in mind for drivers and riders. For drivers: Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance. If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider isturning before moving ahead. For Motorcyclists: Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection. Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots withnonskid soles, and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing andmotorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you. Ride defensively. Don't assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in adriver's blind spot. Always keep your lights on, even during the day. EGPD said that the funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lodi police remind community of motorcycle safety
( The Lodi Police Department reminds the community to be vigilant of motorcyclists when traveling on the road. Video Above: Driving safely in work zones Police said that as the weather starts to warm, more motorcycles will be on the road, increasing the importance of staying alert to help reduce crashes and save lives. LPD cited data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that showed that 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2022. This represents 15 percent of total highway deaths that year. Meanwhile, California statistics showed that 634 motorcyclists were killed in 2022, a 3.8 percent increase from 2021. 'Motorcycles may be difficult to spot, so be extra careful before changing lanes,' Sergeant Dan Bristow said. 'A simple double take can make a life-saving difference. Motorcycle riders do not have the same protections drivers and passengers do. Let's all do our part to keep each other safe out there.' DUI checkpoint to be conducted in Stanislaus County Police remind drivers to: Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Keep a safe distance from motorcyclists and do not follow them too closely. Remain cautious when a motorcyclist turns on their signal and make sure the rider is turning before moving ahead. Police remind motorcyclists to: Wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection. Wear sturdy clothes such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective elements to the clothing and motorcycle so drivers can easily see. Avoid riding in a driver's blind spot and never assume a driver can see the motorcycle. Keep the lights on at night and during the day. Police also remind the community that neither the driver nor the motorcyclist should drive distracted or under the influence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
IDOT sharing tips for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — The Illinois Department of Transportation is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and motorcycle safety advocates during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. They started the 'Start Seeing Motorcycles' campaign to encourage drivers and motorcyclists to safely enjoy Illinois roads together, Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT's bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering, said. 'Don't take risks, always obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings, and never drive or ride impaired,' Seck-Birhame said. During the campaign, there will be motorcycle banners and yard signs on display to remind drivers to be alert for motorcyclists. Information from IDOT shows that while motorcycles represent 3% of total vehicle registrations in Illinois, they accounted for nearly 14% of traffic deaths in 2023. 'While there are fewer motorcycles on roads compared to passenger cars, the motorcycle fatality rate for crashes is five times higher than the fatality rate for passenger cars,' said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. 'ISP reminds motorcyclists to make an effort to be seen while riding, avoid weaving in and out of traffic, and obey speed limits. ISP also reminds other drivers to watch for motorcyclists who may not be as easily seen, and to give them space.' IDOT shared safety tips for both drivers and motorcyclists. For Drivers: Look twice before changing lanes or merging into traffic, using your mirrors and glancing over your shoulder. Allow an appropriate distance. Allow motorcyclists enough space to maneuver and enough time to adjust if necessary. Traffic, weather and road conditions require motorcyclists to react and maneuver differently than other drivers. Be vigilant. A motorcycle can easily be hidden behind other vehicles. Checking mirrors and blind spots is essential before changing lanes or merging. Use care when driving near a group of motorcyclists. Sharing the road with organized motorcycle groups requires patience and communication. If you need to change lanes or reach an exit, signal your intention early and wait for the riders to create a space. Do not merge between groups or riders unless there is enough space to do so safely. For motorcyclists: Wear DOT-compliant gear that increases visibility in traffic in addition to providing protection in the event of a crash. Use bright colors and retro-reflective strips or decals, especially at night. Over-the-ankle boots, gloves, protective jackets, pants and properly fitted helmets with face shields or protective eyewear are all part of a full-gear package. Use lane positioning to increase your visibility. Ride with your headlight on at all times. It's the law in Illinois. Give yourself space and time to react. Allow room for emergency braking. Make lane changes gradually and expect the unexpected. Ride sober. Motorcycle riding and alcohol don't mix. Drinking slows your reaction time and affects your balance, coordination and vision. Always signal before changing lanes. Avoid weaving between lanes. Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping. More information on the campaign is available here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program reminds people to drive safe during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — The West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program encouraged motorcycle safety as May kicks off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. According to a press release, the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP) partnered with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to encourage drivers that 'Motorcyclists' Safety Is Everyone's Safety.' REAL-ID will be required for West Virginia residents to board flights The press release from the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program stated that safe driving and riding practices, as well as informing other drivers, can help decrease the amount of motorcyclist deaths on roads in the Mountain State. Motorcyclists should always be aware of their surroundings. It is imperative that you have the correct license to ride a motorcycle in West Virginia. Always wear your DOT-compliant helmet. Make sure you dress for the slide, not just for the ride. Motorists need to look out for motorcycles since they are small and harder to see. Since it is grass cutting season, please do not blow grass clippings onto the roads and streets because it is dangerous for motorcyclists. Driving on grass clippings is very slick, like driving on ice. Mary Jarrell | GHSP Motorcycle Safety Training Coordinator NHTSA data included in the press release stated that 15 percent of the total highway deaths in 2022 were 6,218 motorcyclists who died in traffic accidents. 33 percent of the total number of motorcyclist deaths in 2022 were related to speeding, and 51 percent of the deaths were from motorcyclists who were 21 to 24 years old. According to the data, drug/alcohol impairment was also a part of fatalities in motorcycle related accidents, and in 2022, 42 percent of motorcyclists who died in single-vehicle accidents were impaired by drugs or alcohol. Governor Morrisey signs bills banning cell phones in classrooms and requiring U.S. Motto displayed in schools The West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program advised that DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets can help lessen injuries and save lives. The press release stated that the use of motorcycle helmets went from 64.9 percent in 2021 to 66.5 percent in 2022, and that data from the NHTSA estimated that in 2017, helmets saved the lives of around 1,872 motorcyclists, and if all motorcyclists worn DOT-compliant helmets, an additional 749 lives could have been saved. According to the press release from the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program, motorcyclists can finish rider education courses and keep a current motorcycle license, ride and drive defensively and not ride when distracted or impaired, and follow the speed limit and traffic laws and use personal protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet with a 'FMVSS No. 218 Certified' label. Drivers are encouraged to use turn signals when merging or changing lanes, leave more following distance to move or stop in an emergency, do not drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol, follow the speed limit, check all mirrors and blind spots before merging or changing lanes, and drive defensively. The press release stated that despite motorcycles being small vehicles, motorcyclists have the same rights as any other driver when on the road and enough room should be left for them on a lane, and their smaller size can make them harder to see, which can make it possible to misjudge distance and speed. Drivers are also encouraged to avoid distractions that could place other people at risk, and to yield to motorcyclists, especially at intersections. Additional information about the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program can be found on their website or by calling 304-926-2509, and motorcycle safety information can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Arkansas State Police reminds drivers that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A national campaign marking the start of the riding season for motorcyclists asks drivers and riders to increase awareness. A release from the Arkansas State Police reminds both groups that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. In keeping with the theme, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds all that motorcycle safety is everyone's safety. I-30 clear after multiple crashes in Little Rock ASP officials said motorcycles are overrepresented in traffic crashes, primarily due to speed and alcohol impairment. 'It is essential that riders and drivers both pay critical attention to their driving habits and to each other while out on the road,' officials said. ASP cites NHTSA data showing 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2022, making up 15% of total highway fatalities for that year. Speeding was a major contributing factor for motorcyclist fatalities in 2022, accounting for 35% of all motorcyclist fatalities. Officials continued that more than half, 51%, of those fatalities were motorcyclists 21 to 24 years old. Alcohol impairment also played a significant role in motorcycle-involved crash fatalities, with 42% of motorcycle riders dying in single-vehicle crashes in 2022 being alcohol-impaired. In Arkansas, an average of 76 Arkansans are killed each year on motorcycles totaling 760 from 2013-2022, officials said. Little Rock community members voice safety concerns at meeting after cyclist's death ASP officials remind the importance of motorcycle helmets. Like seat belts, wearing DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets can save lives and reduce injuries, they said. After three years of declines, helmet use increased from 65% in 2021 to 67% in 2022. NHTSA data estimates that helmets saved 1,872 motorcyclists' lives in 2017 and that 749 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn their helmets. ASP officials also remind drivers that other than the importance of obeying traffic laws and avoiding distractions and impairment, drivers should be prepared to yield to motorcycles, especially at intersections, and bikers are advised to wear high-visibility clothing and a DOT-approved helmet. Off-duty Little Rock airmen called heroes after responding to near-deadly motorcycle crash Officials said that rider education and training courses are also important for motorcycle safety. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
