Latest news with #WestVirginiaGovernor'sHighwaySafetyProgram
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
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program encourages safe driving on Super Bowl Sunday
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — Football fans were reminded by the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program to drive safely on Super Bowl Sunday. According to a press release, the West Virginia Governor's Highway Safety Program (GHSP) and the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) partnered together to remind fans to not drive while drunk on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Need help making plans to watch the Big Game? The Greenbrier has you covered Super Bowl is a special night each year for our community to come together to celebrate, but we need responsible drivers on our roads. The biggest key to keeping everyone safe on our roads during and after the Big Game is to plan ahead. We want everyone to enjoy watching their teams play during the Super Bowl, but we also want to make sure everyone is responsible while driving on West Virginia's roadways. Jack McNeely | Director of the GHSP Drunk driving can have a range of consequences, including the possibility of causing a traumatic crash. These crashes could cause you, someone you love, or a total stranger to suffer serious injuries or even death. Help set up your team, your friends, family, and other partygoers, for a night of success by making sure no one drives themselves home after drinking Amy Boggs | Division Manager of the GHSP The press release encouraged people to have snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for guests and designated drivers, have guests choose a designated driver early, and encourage guests to eat food, drink plenty of water, and pace themselves. Why is football called 'football'? People enjoying Super Bowl Sunday are also advised to not give alcohol to minors, and that anyone who gives alcohol to minors can be held liable for any damage, injury, or death caused by an underaged driver. Anyone who plans to be a designated driver is encouraged to inform others about the decision, and help friends get home safely if they wish to drink. Those who believe that they see a drunk driver is advised to contact law enforcement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
