In connection with the May observance of Motorcycle Awareness Month, a public safety campaign is being coordinated by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.
Operating a motor vehicle - from motorcycle to automobile to tractor-trailer - is a privilege granted when an operator meets specified qualifications. Violations of traffic laws, however, may be punished and result in license revocation.
Traffic laws abound and respect for them is necessary because we all share the roadways. In an accident, however, we may not share the sames odds of injury or death. Variables include the type of collision, types of vehicles involved and use of safety restraints and devices.
In 2014, 87 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes on Missouri roadways. The coalition has issued reminders for both auto and motorcycle operators to avoid accidents and minimize injuries if an accident occurs.
Automobile drivers are urged to:
• Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
• Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.
Most of those tips also apply to motorcyclists, who are encouraged to wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
A law unique to motorcycle riders is the requirement to wear helmets.
Proposals to relax helmet laws have become a routine part of legislative sessions, and this year is no exception.
We consistently have opposed easing those standards. We believe the helmet laws are a fundamental public safety standard that is no more onerous than seat belt requirements or texting while driving legislation.
Motorcycle Awareness Month is an opportunity to remind ourselves that because we share the roads, we must share respect for each other and responsibility for our common safety.