FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As the weather warms up and more motorcycles are taking to the open road, Springfield’s public safety agencies remind all motorists to be on alert and share roadways safely.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Motorcyclists are about 28 times as likely as passenger car riders to die in motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In 2020, the Springfield Police Department responded to 145 accidents involving motorcycles. To keep roadways safe, motorists are encouraged to follow these helpful tips from the NHTSA.
Motorcycle riders:
- Wear a helmet to reduce brain injury.
- Before you ride: check headlights and signal indicators, tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, fluid levels and leaks.
- Wear protective clothing, such as leather or denim, for extra protection during a crash and to help prevent dehydration. Brightly colored clothing with a reflective material will make you more visible. Gloves allow for a better grip and will provide additional protection to your hands in an event of a crash.
- Secure cargo and balance the load on the cycle. If needed, adjust suspension and tire pressure.
- Remind passengers to keep their legs and feet away from muffler.
Know and obey local traffic laws. Ride alcohol and drug free. - Always use turn signals.
Vehicle drivers:
- Share the road and watch closely for motorcyclists. Double- check intersections before turning or pulling out. Remember looking twice may save a life!
- Check blind spots before changing or merging lanes.
- Always use turn signals and watch out when turning left.
- Motorcyclists don’t always use their brakes, so watch out!
- Know and obey local traffic laws. Drive alcohol- and drug-free.
- Treat motorcyclists with the same respect that you would treat other drivers.
Springfield Police Department’s Traffic section is offering a free “Share the Road” civilian motorcycle safety course. Upcoming dates are May 23 and Sept. 12. For more information and to register for the course, please visit https://www.springfieldmo.gov/5289/Share-The-Road-Motorcycle-Course.
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For media only:
Fire Media Contact: Assistant Chief Kevin Trogdon
417-874-2320, [email protected]
Police Media Contact: PAO Jasmine Bailey
417-864-1786 [email protected]