The worst traffic accidents usually involve more than one vehicle. And when one of the vehicles is a motorcycle or bicycle and the other is a car or truck, someone is at a serious disadvantage. Those riding on two wheels are at much greater risk of dying when involved in a crash.

As the weather heats up in New Jersey and New York, more and more people take to two wheels, whether they are out for a road trip on a motorcycle or a family bike rides. This is a great time for motorists to refresh their safety knowledge. 

Bicycle Safety

Traffic accidents killed 726 bicyclists in 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) reports. People between the ages of 15 and 24 have the highest bicycle death rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC).

While bicycle fatalities account for a small percentage of all traffic deaths, any bicycle accident has the potential to cause serious injuries. In a single year, bicycle accidents sent an estimated 515,000 people to emergency rooms.

Bicyclists can help protect themselves from serious injuries by wearing helmets and obeying the rules of the road. Wearing highly visible and reflective clothing can also help. 

Motorcycle Safety

Despite an overall decline in motor vehicle accidents in recent years, the number of motorcycle accidents is increasing.Motorcyclists accounted for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2012, up from 9 percent in 2003, according to NHTSA. The number of motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents increased by 1,243 during this period.

Like bicyclists, motorcyclists are more likely to survive an accident if they wear protective gear, including helmets. Following the rules of the road and not riding while under the influence of alcohol or drugs also play a major role in motorcycle safety.

Tips for Drivers

Drivers of cars and trucks have a duty to help keep bicyclists and motorcyclists safe. It’s these drivers who are often to blame for accidents that put motorcyclists and bicyclists in hospitals.

Being extra vigilant in the summer can help keep roads safe for people who are out enjoying the weather on their motorcycles and bikes.

• Check your blind spots and check them again when in traffic.
• If you see bicyclists at a crosswalk, yield to them.
• If you see children on bicycles, be cautious.They may dart into traffic.
• Leave a full lane for both motorcyclists and bicyclists who use the road.
• Leave a safe amount of space when passing cyclists.
• Both motorcycles and bicycles can be difficult to see at night or in traffic. Keep your eyes open for their presence.
• If you’re not sure a cyclist sees you, wait. Yield to them unless you are certain they are aware of your presence.

When you share the road with cyclists, be a gracious driver. Impatience and aggressiveness do not make for safe encounters, and cyclists are the ones who stand to suffer the most in the event of a car crash.