Sudbury Police Provide Safety Tips for Area Motorists

From the Sudbury Police Department:

Chief Scott Nix and the Sudbury Police Department are providing safety tips for drivers and motorcyclists as we approach the summer months.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that, in 2013, there were 4,668 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes and an estimated 88,000 who were injured.

"As the weather warms up, we are expecting to see more and more motorcycles on the road," Chief Nix said. "Drivers and motorcyclists should be aware of each other and take all precautions to avoid collisions or accidents."

To prevent accidents and fatalities, Chief Nix recommends that drivers and motorcyclists follow several safety tips outlined by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Motorcycles are 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. Drivers must always be aware of their surroundings and remember to check twice to save a life.

Motorists must remember that motorcyclists have the same privileges as other drivers and be sure to give riders a full lane of travel while always keeping a close watch for motorcyclists -- especially at intersections and on highways. Motorists should anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuvers. A piece of road debris that poses no threat to a car may be deadly for a motorcyclist. Residents are encouraged to predict evasive moves a motorcyclist might take by always being aware of your surroundings and to not follow motorcycles too closely, allowing enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions.

A motorist is more likely to be involved in an accident with a motorcycle when he or she is making a left turn in front of a rider or when a motorcyclist is riding in his or her blind spot, when there are hazardous road conditions, potholes, wet leaves, railroad tracks and other obstructions may force a motorcyclist to take an action that another motorist doesn't expect. He or she is also more likely to be involved in an accident when there is an obstructed line of sight. Sport utility vehicles, delivery vans and large trucks may block motorcyclists from your view.

Riders must not assume that they are visible to a driver. It is the motorcyclist's responsibility to make his or her presence known to drivers. Riders are advised to select and wear an appropriate helmet with retroreflective materials. A motorcycle helmet is a rider's most valuable piece of protective gear and should be visible to drivers. Motorcyclists are encouraged to wear bright, contrasting protective clothing. A fluorescent vest should be worn over dark clothing. Riders should use headlights while riding on the highway and use high beams instead of low beams. Police suggest a modulating headlight.

Proper lane position is important. It helps drivers see motorists and protects a motorist's riding space. Motorists are reminded that, if they can see a driver in the side-view mirror, the driver can see them. Residents are advised to avoid riding in a driver's blind spot and always signal before making a move, never weaving between lanes.

There is no one safe place to ride. Motorists are encouraged to use lane positioning to be seen and to provide extra space for emergency braking situations or avoidance maneuvers, to never share a lane with a car and to remember that other drivers may not expect them alongside their cars and may not be aware of their presence.