The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes May as Motorcycle Awareness month. Each year during this time, motorcycle organizations and states across the country hold a variety of activities and events to promote motorist awareness of motorcyclists.
Accompanying the spring awareness events are the reminders of past tragic motorcycle accidents and injuries. Earlier this year, bikers in Phoenix, Arizona received an all-too-harsh reminder of the potential dangers they face when other drivers don't pay attention to motorcyclists.
On March 25, 2010, ten riders were stopped at an intersection on a Phoenix highway, waiting for a red light to change. A sanitation truck driver, who failed to notice the motorcyclists, barreled through the intersection and slammed into the group.
Four riders were killed, and several others were severely injured.
One Rider's Tale
Jason Anania, a man who has seen more than his share of injuries in the recent past, was among those involved in the crash. This was his second crash in less than 12 months; both were the result of other motorists failing to pay attention to motorcycles.
Between the two crashes, he has lost a lot.
After the original collision he spent nearly a month in a coma. He has undergone four reconstructive surgeries on his face alone, and will require several more before he is done. Perhaps most importantly, he has lost all of his memories from before the crash.
With the second collision, though, he fears that he has lost his love of riding. As he told KENS 5 in San Antonio, "I have ridden a little bit over the past month, and it's not fun anymore."
A Ride to Remember and Raise Awareness
Jason Anania's riding days may be behind him, but his plight and those of the others harmed by the Phoenix crash has prompted action among other riders. On May 23rd, riders around the country and the world took part in "Can You See Me Now," a motorcycle awareness ride.
Through the ride, participants wore bright neon colors to remind to other motorists that motorcyclists are on the road, and motorists must pay attention to them in order to avoid tragedies.
Tips for Drivers: Pay Attention to Motorcycles
Often times, motorists unintentionally ignore motorcyclists. Not expecting to see them, they simply don't. One of the most important things drivers can do to prevent motorcycle accidents is to pay attention. Look for motorcycles, particularly at intersections where they can be easily overlooked.
Additionally, drivers must take care when judging the speed of motorcyclists. Because of the small size of motorcycles, it is easy to misjudge the position and speed of a rider; motorcycles may disappear in a car's blind spots, may look further away than they actually are, or may appear to be moving faster than they are. For safety, give motorcycles ample room.
While more maneuverable than most cars, motorcycles have the added challenge of not being able to stop quickly on slick pavement and will often adjust positions within the lane to avoid debris or minimize the effect of high wind and passing cars. A good rule of thumb for motorists to follow is to think of a motorcycle in motion as a person, not a machine.
By paying attention and respecting motorcycles, other motorists can take huge strides towards reducing motorcycle accidents.
