Be Safe and Have Fun on Your Motorcycle
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Summer is finally arriving in the Berkshires, and with it come motorists on vehicles with fewer than four wheels.
Two- and three-wheeled motorcycles share the road with cars and trucks in the warmer months, and that means safety is the number one priority. All motorists are reminded to safely "share the road" with motorcycles and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe. And motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other motorists.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the roadway. During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May - and during the rest of the year - drivers of all other vehicles and all road users are reminded to safely "share the road" with motorcyclists, and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.
In 2014, 4,586 motorcyclists (4,311 riders and 275 passengers) were killed in motor vehicle crashes – a decrease of 2 percent from the 4,692 motorcyclists killed in 2013. Unfortunately, there were an estimated 92,000 motorcyclists injured in 2014 – a 5-percent increase from the 88,000 motorcyclists injured in 2013.
Even though motorcycles account for about 3 percent of registered vehicles on the road, motorcyclists are dramatically over-represented in fatal crashes – especially those involving alcohol.
But there are ways to be safe when enjoying the fun and freedom of riding a motorcycle.
Consumer Reports recommends the people don’t buy more bike than they can handle. Kevin Stengl of Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor says the staff there can help with that decision, as PLT sells new Can-Am three-wheel motorcycles as well as used two-wheel motorcycles that have been traded in.
Consumer Reports also recommends riders hone their skills and learn how to drive defensively, especially around cars where drivers may be distracted by cell phones, and learn how to avoid road hazards that might not affect a car.
“We recommend you attend and complete a motorcycle safety course before you ride,” Stengl said, mentioning that “Training Wheels” offers courses right up the road from PLT on West Housatonic Street.
Also, Consumer Reports recommends wearing the right gear, including clothing that will protect you from weather, bugs, debris and road rash should you crash - and, of course, helmets.
"PLT sells helmets, jackets and gloves as well as all other safety equipment needed for riders," Stengl said.
Government motorcycle crash statistics show that helmets are about 29 percent effective in preventing crash fatalities. That is, on average, riders wearing a helmet have a 29 percent better chance of surviving a crash than riders without a helmet. Studies even found that helmets do not impair sight or vision, a common argument against wearing a helmet.
Also, riders should make sure their bikes are fully inspected and safe before even going out on them. Twenty-five percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2013 were riding their vehicles without valid motorcycle licenses at the time of the collisions.
And, of course, the same rules of the road for cars apply here, too. Don't drink and drive. And in 2013, 34 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding. So slow down and enjoy the ride!
For more information, interested in purchasing a Spider 3 wheel motorcycle please contact Pittsfield Lawn & Tractor, 1548 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield, at 413-443-2623 or www.plt.com for more information on different models.
