Be Aware of Motorcycles

Motorcycle season is once again upon us. Seasoned riders as well as weekend motorcycle enthusiasts are out in force.

March 28 to April 30 is recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period.  States and motorcycle organizations across the country are conducting a variety of activities to promote the importance of motorcycle awareness with the main theme being "Check Twice...Save a Life.''  

The Grafton Police Department would like to offer the following information on motorcycle awareness and safety provided by the MA Registry of Motor Vehicles (www.mass.gov/rmv).

Many fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motorcycle and a car or truck.  The motorist either does not see the oncoming motorcycle at all or does not see the motorcycle in time to avoid a crash.

It is important for motorists to know that their actions affect the safety of motorcyclists.  A motorist and a motorcyclist may take different actions for the same driving or highway situation. For example, a motorist may ignore a piece of road debris, but that same piece of road debris may be deadly for a motorcyclist.

 Advice to Drivers 

Keeping these ideas in mind can help prevent accidents.

Remember that motorcycles can be easy to miss.  Motorcycles are already more difficult to spot than cars because of their smaller profiles, and drivers are conditioned to look for other cars, not motorcyclists. 

Traffic, weather and road conditions require motorcyclists to react differently than drivers, so it is often difficult to judge and predict when riders may take evasive action.  This means drivers must always be aware of their surroundings. 

Remember: Check twice, save a life.

 Know when crashes are likely to occur.  You are more likely to be involved in an accident with a motorcycle when:

• You are making a left turn in front of a rider.
• A motorcyclist is riding in your blind spot.
• There are hazardous road conditions.  Potholes, wet leaves, railroad tracks, and other obstructions may force a motorcyclist to take an action you don't expect.
• You have an obstructed line of sight.  Sport utility vehicles, delivery vans and large trucks may block motorcyclists from your view.

Be more aware of motorcyclists. Remember that motorcyclists have the same privileges of other drivers. Be sure to give riders a full lane of travel, and always keep a close watch for motorcyclists, especially at intersections and on highways.

Anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuvers. As stated above, a piece of road debris that poses no threat to a car may be deadly for a motorcyclist. Predict evasive moves a motorcyclist might take by always being aware of your surroundings.

Also, don't follow motorcycles too closely. Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions.

And once again, remember Check Twice, Save a Life. Motorcycles are Everywhere.

Anyone with questions for the Chief’s Column may submit them by mail to the Grafton Police Department, 28 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519.  You may also email your questions or comments to chief@graftonpolice.com.  Please include an appropriate subject line, as I do not open suspicious email for obvious reasons. 

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr. is Grafton's chief of police.