Governor’s Highway Safety Office Kicks Off Tennessee Roadway Safety Tour

Monday, March 02, 2009 | 05:57am
 Event Reminds Drivers to Stay Alert for Motorcycles
 
NASHVILLE – The Governor’s Highway Safety Office is urging motorists to keep an extra eye open for motorcycles on Tennessee highways. The GHSO joined state and local law enforcement, the Motorcycle Awareness Foundation of Tennessee and the Suzuki Owners Club of North America in Memphis today to kick off the Tennessee Roadway Safety Tour. The tour, which will make 76 stops across the state in the next 76 days, is designed to highlight public awareness by reminding everyone to stay alert for motorcycles sharing the road.
 
“Motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled in the last 7 years and the overwhelming majority of these deadly crashes occur in the spring and summer months,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “These riders are your neighbors, co-workers, and friends and we want to keep them safe.”
 
The number of motorcycle fatalities in Tennessee jumped from 42 in 1998 to 148 in 2007. In the last decade, motorcycle deaths across the nation have increased 127 percent.
 
“Driver inattentiveness and other distractions can create a scenario that causes many of these avoidable crashes,” said Colonel Mike Walker, Tennessee Highway Patrol. “With a little extra vigilance, I believe we can dramatically reduce the number of lives lost in motorcycle accidents.”
 
The Motorcycle Awareness Foundation has some simple safety rules for drivers:
 
  • Do Not Share the Lane – Motorcycles often need the full lane to respond to road hazards, other vehicles, and maximize their view.
  • Always Check Your Blind Spots – Following accidents involving motorcycles, many drivers claim they didn’t see the cyclists. Check your blind spots and mirrors at intersections and before changing lanes.
  • Use Your Turn Signals – Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows motorcyclists to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane.
  • Pay Close Attention at Intersections – Two-thirds of collisions between cars and motorcycles occur when drivers turn in front of motorcyclists. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is turning before you proceed.
  • Don’t Follow a Motorcycle Too Closely – Tailgating a motorcycle can easily lead to a crash. It’s best to allow a four-second following distance between your vehicle and a motorcycle.
  • Know Basic Hand Signals – Being familiar with motorcyclist hand signals gives you a better awareness of their intentions and safety concerns.
 The Tennessee Department of Safety’s Motorcycle Rider Education Program approves courses and instructors across the state. To find out more about the program and courses offered, go to http://tennessee.gov/safety/mrep.htm.
 
The Tennessee Roadway Safety Tour will make 76 stops in 76 days beginning today through May 17th. It will take riders over Tennessee roadways with visits to towns in cities from Memphis to the mountains of East Tennessee. For a complete list of events and locations, please visit www.suzukiownersclub.org.
 
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For More Information Contact:
Kendell Poole
GHSO Director
615-741-2589

OR

Julie Oaks
TDOT Public Information Officer
615-741-9930
Julie.A.Oaks@state.tn.us

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