Spring Break
New program aims to cut motorcycle fatalities
Karen Tableriou
Issue date: 4/8/09 Section: News
In an effort to decrease motorcyclist accidents and fatalities, the Illinois State Police launched a safety education campaign for the 2009 riding season.
Officers will target safety of motorcyclists and motorcycle license violations in a variety of ways. Some enforcement and safety strategies include motorcycle roadside safety checks and directed patrols.
Hanging on the District 14 building and on the fence of Chandler Park are signs with the slogan, "Start Seeing Motorcycles." While the campaign is specifically targeting motorcyclists, officers cannot ignore the role motorists play in the safety of motorcycle drivers.
With the weather changing from winter to spring and warmer days coming, the season of motorcycles is poised to start. In order to be safe, the state police have put together a list of safety tips for both motorcyclists and other motorists.
The most important thing a motorcyclist can do is wear a helmet and other equipment such as gloves and heavy boots. Though the law in Illinois does not require a motorcyclist to wear a helmet, they are encouraged to do so.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2006 there were 4,810 motorcyclists killed. The same year 1,658 motorcyclists were saved because of helmets. It is estimated that another 752 lives could have been saved if a helmet was worn. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported that in 2007, 80 percent of motorcyclists killed in Illinois were not wearing helmets.
As motorists, driving defensively is a must. Never assume other vehicles on the road can see you. There is always a chance a car or truck can turn in front of the motorcycle and cause an accident. Vice versa is also another possibility.
"By driving defensively, motorists and motorcyclists can help prevent tragic fatal crashes from occurring," said Captain Robert L. Elliott, Illinois State Police District 14 Commander.
In 2007, the IDOT reported motorcyclists accounted for 12 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities. In District 14, which covers Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, McDonough and Warren counties, only three fatal crashes involving motorcycles were reported in 2008, Elliott said.
Officers will target safety of motorcyclists and motorcycle license violations in a variety of ways. Some enforcement and safety strategies include motorcycle roadside safety checks and directed patrols.
Hanging on the District 14 building and on the fence of Chandler Park are signs with the slogan, "Start Seeing Motorcycles." While the campaign is specifically targeting motorcyclists, officers cannot ignore the role motorists play in the safety of motorcycle drivers.
With the weather changing from winter to spring and warmer days coming, the season of motorcycles is poised to start. In order to be safe, the state police have put together a list of safety tips for both motorcyclists and other motorists.
The most important thing a motorcyclist can do is wear a helmet and other equipment such as gloves and heavy boots. Though the law in Illinois does not require a motorcyclist to wear a helmet, they are encouraged to do so.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2006 there were 4,810 motorcyclists killed. The same year 1,658 motorcyclists were saved because of helmets. It is estimated that another 752 lives could have been saved if a helmet was worn. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported that in 2007, 80 percent of motorcyclists killed in Illinois were not wearing helmets.
As motorists, driving defensively is a must. Never assume other vehicles on the road can see you. There is always a chance a car or truck can turn in front of the motorcycle and cause an accident. Vice versa is also another possibility.
"By driving defensively, motorists and motorcyclists can help prevent tragic fatal crashes from occurring," said Captain Robert L. Elliott, Illinois State Police District 14 Commander.
In 2007, the IDOT reported motorcyclists accounted for 12 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities. In District 14, which covers Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, McDonough and Warren counties, only three fatal crashes involving motorcycles were reported in 2008, Elliott said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
charles hill
posted 4/09/09 @ 11:46 AM CST
My son just recently totaled his Yamaha Road Star. He's all right. He broke his left arm in two places. He was lucky as hell to survive. It was the typical left turn by the motorist. (Continued…)
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