Lancaster Safety Consulting, Inc.

100 Bradford Road, Suite 100 Wexford, PA 15090 Phone: (888) 403-6026 Fax: (724) 776-1007 www.LancasterSafety.com Page 1 of 2

National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Whenever you hear the phrase “occupational safety” what are some of the main topics that

come to your mind? Of course, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has

it’s “Big Four” hazards in the construction industry: falls, electrocutions, caught-in and struck-

by. But the main occupational hazard that all of us deal with on an everyday basis, is driving to

and from our respective workplaces. Transportation hazards are all around us, especially with

the inherent complacency that some of us fall victim to while driving. Our topic of discussion is

not automobiles, but another form of transportation that happens to be the deadliest on our

roads across the country.

With the month of May being National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we would like to

share some important tips and statistics with you to take into consideration the next time you

see someone operating a motorcycle or you yourself are the operator.

There have been countless studies completed on transportation and motorcycle safety.

Transportation economist Ian Savage, a professor at Northwestern University, conducted a

study in transportation safety and statistics in January of 2013. Professor Savage’s study

focused on the fatality rates with the different forms of transportation used in the United

States. His study found that almost 10% of highway fatalities were motorcyclists despite

motorcycles only accounting for 0.7% of all vehicle miles traveled in the US. Motorcyclists in

general, had the highest fatality rate per passenger mile at 212 per billion. We know what

you’re probably thinking, 2013 was years ago, surely the statistics have improved, right?

Unfortunately, that is far from the case. According to the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts

2017, fatalities among motorcycle operators and passengers have increased almost 3% since

2006!

What can be done to avoid being part of the statistics? There are a few key safety tips to keep

in mind whenever you’re operating a motorcycle or driving in close proximity to a motorcycle

operator. The below safety tips focus on the unfortunate truth, that motorcycles are often less

stable, less visible and offer essentially no protection to the operator in the event of a crash.

“A motorcyclist who traveled 15 miles

every day for a year had an astonishing

1 in 860 chance of dying. The rate per

passenger mile was 29 times that for

automobiles and light trucks.” Ian

Savage, Northwestern University

Lancaster Safety Consulting, Inc.

100 Bradford Road, Suite 100 Wexford, PA 15090 Phone: (888) 403-6026 Fax: (724) 776-1007 www.LancasterSafety.com Page 2 of 2

First, let’s focus on some tips and rules to follow for automobile operators. Whenever you spot

a motorcyclist, there is one golden rule to remember: leave them with as much space to

maneuver as possible. Motorcyclists need to swerve much more frequently to avoid dangers

on the road. For example, hitting a pothole may lead to a flat tire or two in an automobile.

Missing a pothole while operating a motorcycle can be the difference between life and death.

In addition to swerving, motorcycles have the ability to stop much quicker than the average

automobile. You will simply not be able to stop as quickly as they can. Be sure to check your

blind spots frequently and always take into consideration the impact that inclement weather

can have on motorcyclists.

For your daring motorcycle operators out there, we would like to provide you with the

following safety tips to follow at all times.

1. ALWAYS wear a helmet. In 2015 alone, helmets saved almost 1,800 lives and an

estimated 740 more could have been saved had they been wearing helmets.

2. In addition to helmet usage, wear appropriate gear such as jackets, gloves, etc. Use

bright colored gear to make yourself more visible to others.

3. Check weather forecasts prior to riding. If you’re stuck in a storm, find a safe place to

take shelter before riding again.

4. Keep at least a 20-foot cushion between yourself and other riders.

5. ALWAYS drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings.

6. Lastly, leave yourself with an emergency exit path/route at all times.

Avoid complacency, drive defensively and always be courteous to others on the road.