SHARE THE ROAD
Local Longriders hope to spread motorcycle safety awareness
Next Tuesday an influx of motorcyclists are taking the downtown route in Bullard to further their cause in honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Bullard residents Terian and Jimmy Edwards - members of Tyler's Longriders Club - are spearheading the effort complete with a proclamation signed by Bullard Mayor A.W. Hines.

"The campaign is intended to heighten awareness, encourage other drivers to share the roadways and be cautious and observe motorcycles," Jimmy said.

This, the two said, is especially important now as many people are moving toward motorcycles as a way to save on gasoline.

"We are encouraging drivers to share the road," Terian said. "We're promoting safety - both for bikers and motorists.

"Some drivers just glance; we're asking them to look carefully. "

Onlookers will get the opportunity to look carefully about 6 p.m. Tuesday when the group will tour downtown.

Motorcycle riders now account for one out of every 10 U.S. road fatalities each year - with motorcyclist deaths from traffic crashes rising each of the last eight years.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,553 motorcyclists lost their lives in fatal highway crashes in 2005.

Of those, 56 percent involved another vehicle in addition to the motorcycle in the crash.

That's why the Longriders are joining with other federal, state and local highway safety and law enforcement organizations in proclaiming May 2007 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. All motorists are reminded to safely "Share the Road" with motorcycles and to be extra alert when driving to help keep motorcyclists safe.

"With warmer weather here, more motorcycles are back on the roads. Drivers of passenger vehicles need to be extra alert," Jimmy said. "Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road so folks in other vehicles need to really look out for them-and to take extra care to safely 'Share the Road.'"

According to the Edwards', motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle's blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size.

"It's crucial that motorists always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections," Terian said.

Jimmy said that motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle drivers in the event of a crash. He said that research shows that about 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car crashes injure or kill a driver or passenger in their vehicle. In fact, per vehicle mile traveled in 2005, motorcyclists were 37 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than occupants in passenger vehicles according to NHTSA.

The Edwards are also asking local businesses to contribute by purchasing "Share the Road" signs.

"We already have 12 signs in Tyler and eight in Jacksonville," he said. "We would be proud if our hometown contributed as well.

Signs cost $100 and may be purchased at Road Runner Traffic Supply in Fort Worth, but Edwards said any contribution would help.

For more information on contributing, call 903-539-0214.

The duo offered several tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:

! Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width-never try to share a lane;

! always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections;

! always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic;

! don't be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle - motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;

! remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to passenger vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists; and

! allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don't tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

Jimmy said motorcyclists have responsibilities, too, by following the rules of the roadway, being alert to other drivers, and always wearing protective gear.

"All too often after a crash, the drivers of other vehicles involved say they never saw the motorcyclist and were unable to respond in time," he said. "This is no excuse. Too many lives are being lost. Our message to all drivers is: make this the first year in recent years when motorcycle fatalities do not increase. Do your part by safely 'Sharing the Road' with motorcycles."