Choose to be a safe, responsible biker

By ROBERT D. SECREST
SPECIAL TO THE VINDICACTOR
Now that warmer weather is finally here, many motorcyclists are probably anxious to tune up their bikes and hit the highway. Before heading out, Motorcycle Ohio coordinators within the Ohio Department of Public Safety are reminding all motorcyclists to be properly trained, licensed and protected.
As the number of registered motorcycles increases in Ohio each year, it is important to remember that anyone who operates a motorcycle must have a temporary permit or endorsement on their driver's license. Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle records show 18,240 of those who own a motorcycle are not endorsed.
Once you have obtained your permit or endorsement, MO is encouraging you to enroll in their basic rider course offered at locations throughout the state. Motorcycling can be quite a challenge, not just in learning the controls and acquiring maneuvering skills, but also in finding a safe way through traffic. Your participation in the course will give you the basic knowledge to become a safe and responsible motorcyclist.
Experienced riders
An experienced rider course is also offered. Each course costs $25, but the basic course is free for those under 18 years of age. The program has enhanced the abilities of over 91,000 motorcyclists since its inception in 1988. For more information, please call 1-800-83-RIDER or visit www.motorcycle.ohio.gov.
Proper training and responsible riding are two of the key messages being stressed by MO because of the significant increase in motorcycle crashes and fatalities last year.
Motorcycle statistics had remained steady in Ohio since 2000, averaging 3,886 crashes, 130 fatalities and 3,263 injuries per year. But in 2005, the totals rose considerably, to 4,427 crashes, 177 deaths and 3,758 injuries. In the majority of crashes, motorcycle operators were found at fault, and one-half of the fatalities were single-vehicle crashes. Also, nearly one-half of the fatality crashes were alcohol-related.
Motorcycle Ohio is focused on using the statistics to determine the main causes of motorcycle crashes, and then on pursuing efforts to reduce tragedies on the roads.
Of the cyclists killed last year, 72 percent were not wearing helmets. Also, each year for the past five years, 85-89 percent of all motorcycle crashes resulted in injuries or fatalities, compared to just 24-28 percent for passenger vehicles.
Ride SMART
Because of the recent increase in crashes, Motorcycle Ohio has developed a new motorcycle safety awareness campaign called Ride SMART, which will include specific messages and campaigns for each letter of SMART (Sober, Motorcycle endorsed, Alert, Right gear, T rained). Plans are to unveil the campaign statewide later this year.
Motorcylce Ohio encourages motorcyclists to follow the components of its safety campaign and to realize the serious consequences that follow irresponsible riding.
As the popularity of motorcycles increases every year, motor vehicle drivers should remember a few key points to sharing the roads safely:
The motorcyclist has the same right as any other driver to use the road.
Do not attempt to share the same lane beside a motorcyclist.
Maintain a safety zone of at least three seconds between the motorcycle and your vehicle.
Pass a motorcyclist only when it can be done safely.
Major hazards to motorcyclists such as potholes, gravel, slippery or grooved pavement, and railroad crossings can cause a motorcyclist to change speed or direction suddenly.
Robert D. Secrest is coordinator of Motorcycle Ohio, a section of the Governor's Highway Safety Office within the Ohio Department of Public Safety.