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Tips to stay safe traveling on two wheels

With warm weather comes an increased number of motorcyclists on the roads. Add to that, unfortunately, is an increased number of motorcycle crashes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in Washington, D.C., motorcycles consistently are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes.

Per vehicle miles traveled in 2020, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were four times more likely to be injured. The agency reports in 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists died in crashes.

Sadly, the recent holiday weekend didn’t go by without a bad crash involving a motorcycle. A Windham couple died when the motorcycle they were riding collided on Memorial Day with a pickup truck driven by a teen from Deerfield in Berlin Center.

The gruesome scene is not uncommon.

Motorcycle travel can be a dangerous activity for everyone on the roads.

It can be easy — especially this time of year — to miss, at first glance, approaching motorcyclists when you pull up to an intersection. That’s exactly why we urge all motorists to be alert to the possibility of approaching motorcycles and to look twice.

Likewise, we urge motorcyclists to always proceed cautiously at intersections and do what they can to make themselves visible. That can include things such as wearing brightly colored clothing, applying reflective materials to the motorcycle, and by always keeping your motorcycle’s headlights on — even using high beams during the day.

Here are a few other reminders for those who prefer to travel on two wheels on how to stay safer:

The NHTSA reminds motorcyclists to drive legally. That is, complete a motorcycle rider education course and make sure you are licensed properly. All states require a motorcycle license endorsement to supplement your automobile driver’s license.

Be sure to take the time to get accustomed to the feel of a new or unfamiliar motorcycle by riding it in a controlled area and always do a brief inspection of the bike before you take off. That can include checking things such as tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights and signal indicators, and fluid levels.

Adjust for inclement weather conditions and dress appropriately.

Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, preferably in leather, and shoes or boots that cover your ankles. Never wear shoes that are prone to slipping off, like sandals. To protect your hands and increase your grip, always wear gloves.

Also, always wear an adequate helmet that meets the safety standards approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Approved helmets will display the DOT symbol. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces your risk of serious head injury and death in the event of an accident.

Most of all, ride responsibly by following speed limits and other traffic laws. Avoid taking unnecessary risks and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles, especially in heavy traffic. Never ride a motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

All motorists must be aware of the safety challenges that motorcyclists face. With raised awareness by everyone sharing the roads, both drivers and riders will be safer.

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