SPRING IS HERE: WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES
April 14, 2009
Record Number of Motorcyclists Will Be Hitting Wright County Roads
With the return of spring comes the return of motorcycles to Minnesota streets and highways. Safe Communities of Wright County advises that whether riding on two, four or eighteen wheels, Minnesotans can help make the roads safer for motorcycle riders by staying alert and sharing the road.
Minnesota has reached an all-time high in motorcycle ownership — 225,000 motorcycles are registered in the state, an increase of 100 percent in the last 12 years. Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes and fatalities are also on the rise. Last year, five motorcycle riders were killed in Wright County. That accounts for about 30% of the motor vehicle fatalities that Wright County had in 2008. Statewide, 72 riders were killed in crashes, the highest number since 1985. Around half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, usually at intersections.
According to Pat Hackman, executive director, “The onset of warm weather puts motorcycle riders officially back on the roads. Motorists need to be prepared for and aware of riders — give them space and look twice before crossing traffic or turning.” Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, it can be difficult for motorists to judge their speed and distance.
Hackman says the start of the riding season can also be a challenge for riders, as motorcycle skills get rusty during the off-season. Riders are advised to take safety training, wear protective gear and ride smart. “The four most common factors in motorcycle crashes are speed, inexperience, inattention, and alcohol. Those things are completely within control of the rider,” says Hackman. Last year, one-third of riders killed in MN crashes had been drinking alcohol. When looking at the motorcycle fatalities in Wright County, those numbers significantly increase to 4 out of 5 riders.
Motorcycle safety training for beginners and experts is available April – September in Minnesota. Safety information and riding tips are available at the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) Web site, www.motorcyclesafety.org.
Wright County is a great place to ride – just don’t let it be your last place.
With the return of spring comes the return of motorcycles to Minnesota streets and highways. Safe Communities of Wright County advises that whether riding on two, four or eighteen wheels, Minnesotans can help make the roads safer for motorcycle riders by staying alert and sharing the road.
Minnesota has reached an all-time high in motorcycle ownership — 225,000 motorcycles are registered in the state, an increase of 100 percent in the last 12 years. Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes and fatalities are also on the rise. Last year, five motorcycle riders were killed in Wright County. That accounts for about 30% of the motor vehicle fatalities that Wright County had in 2008. Statewide, 72 riders were killed in crashes, the highest number since 1985. Around half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, usually at intersections.
According to Pat Hackman, executive director, “The onset of warm weather puts motorcycle riders officially back on the roads. Motorists need to be prepared for and aware of riders — give them space and look twice before crossing traffic or turning.” Because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, it can be difficult for motorists to judge their speed and distance.
Hackman says the start of the riding season can also be a challenge for riders, as motorcycle skills get rusty during the off-season. Riders are advised to take safety training, wear protective gear and ride smart. “The four most common factors in motorcycle crashes are speed, inexperience, inattention, and alcohol. Those things are completely within control of the rider,” says Hackman. Last year, one-third of riders killed in MN crashes had been drinking alcohol. When looking at the motorcycle fatalities in Wright County, those numbers significantly increase to 4 out of 5 riders.
Motorcycle safety training for beginners and experts is available April – September in Minnesota. Safety information and riding tips are available at the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) Web site, www.motorcyclesafety.org.
Wright County is a great place to ride – just don’t let it be your last place.
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