(Waco, TX) – Terri “Popsicle” Benezet coordinates the “Do You See Me Now” program with the aim to educate drivers and young people about looking for and seeing motorcycles. She started the program after several friends died in motorcycle-car crashes; many involving a driver that did not see the motorcyclist. The program includes “share the road” signs to increase community awareness and a school-based component to teach children about motorcycle awareness and the importance of looking out for motorcyclists. KCEN TV news featured the program for Motorcycle Safety Awareness month. Watch the clip on their website.

Popsicle presented the Do You See Me Now program at the 8th annual Motorcycle Safety Forum in February.

In Texas, most motorcycle crashes happen in May

May marks the start of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month when drivers of all other vehicles and all road users are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcyclists, and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.

Consider these facts:

• In 2012, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic-related deaths in Texas.
• 460 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes.
• A vehicle was involved in 50% of these fatal motorcycle crashes.
• In over two-thirds of fatal vehicle-motorcycle crashes, the vehicle struck the front of the motorcycle while turning left, usually at an intersection.
• The driver either did not see the motorcyclist or didn’t see the motorcyclist in time to avoid a crash.

Motorists tips:

• Never drive while distracted
• Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Do not share the lane.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• A motorcyclist can be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot so remember to look, look, then look again.
• Allow more following distance – four to five seconds.

Riders tips:

• Get trained and obtain a motorcycle operator license.
• Wear USDOT compliant helmets and other protective gear.
• Stay visible.
• Ride alert and unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs.
• Ride within your limits.
• Be a lifelong learner.

In a new report released April 24, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is projecting that motorcyclist deaths increased approximately 9 percent in 2012, to more than 5,000 lives lost. This is greater than the overall traffic fatality increase projected by the federal government and would be the 14th out of the last 15 years in which motorcyclist deaths increased. Notably, this level of deaths closes in on an all-time high, and motorcyclists remain one of the few roadway user groups where no progress can be shown over the last decade.

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Are we counting motorcycles accurately?

Statistics from 2000 and 2008 indicate that motorcycle fatalities increased by 83 percent. During the same time period, the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by motorcycles increased by only 38 percent. Is this a deadly trend, or are the VMT numbers valid?

“The numbers we’re counting don’t reflect the rise in crashes, injuries and fatalities,” notes Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) Research Engineer Dan Middleton. “Are we counting motorcycles well enough? The answer is no.”

NCHRP Project 08-81, Improving the Quality of Motorcycle Travel Data Collection, tasked Middleton with reviewing current traffic detection methods, investigating new technologies and reporting on which count motorcycles the best.

“Motorcycle fatalities are increasing on our roadways, but data haven’t shown much change in VMTfor several years,” explains Christopher Hedges, NCHRP senior program officer. “That gives us a perception — one that is quite likely erroneous — that higher fatalities are resulting from some characteristics of the rider, the road or the motorcycle itself.”

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