May is Motorcycle and Motor Scooter Awareness Month

JUNEAU — Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reminds Alaska drivers that May is Motorcycle and Motor Scooter Awareness month.

Changing the driving habits of motorists and motorcyclists will help decrease the numbers of motorcyclists killed and injured in crashes, the department says in a press release.

Motorcyclists are reminded to make sure they are visible to motorists and that they follow the rules of the road. All road users are reminded to never drive, ride, walk or bicycle while distracted.

Motorists and bicyclists should perform visual checks for motorcyclists by checking mirrors and blind spots before they enter or exit a lane of traffic and at intersections. Pedestrians should also get into the habit of scanning for motorcyclists who might be hidden by other traffic.

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that motorcyclists are nearly 39 times more likely to die in traffic crashes than occupants of passenger vehicles. The Alaska Highway Safety Office offers tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on roadways.

• Remember, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle.

• Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width.

• Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting 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.

• Allow more following distance — three or four seconds — when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

• Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

• Never drive while distracted.

To increase safety, motorcyclists should:

• Avoid riding in poor weather conditions.

• Wear brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet.

• Use turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it.

• Combine hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves.

• Use reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity.

• Position themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers.

• Never drive while impaired.