Since 1985, PennDOT, through a contract with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, has operated the Motorcycle Safety Program. Those with a motorcycle permit or license are permitted to take the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or Basic RiderCourse 2 (BRC2). At one location each in York, Lehigh and Berks counties, a new Three Wheel Basic RiderCourse (3WBRC) is being made available.
Last year, 23,995 students were trained through the Motorcycle Safety Program. Currently, there are nearly 838,000 licensed motorcyclists in the state. There are more than 8.7 licensed drivers in the state.
Both motorcyclists and other motorists can do their part in preventing crashes by following a few guidelines.
For motorcyclists:
• Be safe – wear the right gear – you have a far better chance of avoiding serious injury in a crash if you wear an approved U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet, face or eye protection and protective clothing (bright-colored clothing, over-the-ankle foot protection, long pants, long-sleeved shirt and full-fingered gloves).
• Become familiar with your motorcycle and conduct a pre-ride check to identify any mechanical defects that could jeopardize your safety.
• Use common sense – don’t ride impaired (drugs and/or alcohol), obey all speed limits, avoid weaving between lanes, don’t ride when tired, respect other drivers, keep a safe distance from other motorists to give yourself enough time to react in potentially dangerous situations and signal your intentions.
• Be prepared. Practice. Know different riding techniques before going into heavy traffic and know how to handle your motorcycle in hazardous road and weather conditions.
• Be alert for anti-skid materials, gravel and salt on the roadways left over from winter, all of which could compromise traction during early season outings, and be on the lookout for newly-formed potholes. PennDOT crews are working across the state to remove these particularly challenging motorcycle obstacles. Riders can report potholes and other roadway maintenance concerns on state roads by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD.
For other motorists:
• Look out for motorcyclists – be aware that motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see.
• Allow more following distance – leave at least four seconds between your vehicle and a motorcycle.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
• Respect a motorcycle as a full-size vehicle with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width as the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions.
In Pennsylvania last year, 4,016 crashes involved motorcycles; 223 of those were fatal crashes. Additionally last year, 30 percent of motorcycle fatalities were driving-under-the-influence-related, and 25 percent were speed-related. In 16 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes, the investigating law enforcement officer indicated that the motorcycle operator did not contribute to the crash.
To learn where courses are available near you, visit the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program Web site at www.PAMSP.com.
Additional safety tips for motorists are available on PennDOT’s Web site, www.DriveSafePA.org, under the Traffic Safety Information Center. Motorcyclists can find additional safety tips and much more by visiting the interactive Web site, www.LiveFreeRideAlive.com.