Guest editorial | Motorcycle safety is everyone's responsibility

With that in mind, it is a good idea to learn about motorcycle safety, not only for motorcycle riders, but all motorists on our roads.

A new U.S. study revealed that inattention is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents in America.

New data has revealed the states where motorcyclists are most at risk of getting into an accident and what is causing these fatalities.

The study shows that Wyoming has the most fatal motorcycle crashes per 100,000 people with 79 fatalities, followed by Florida, South Carolina, Arkansas and Montana.

New York, surprisingly, ranked 48th with 4.39 accidents per 100,000.

The research, carried out by Texas personal injury lawyers The Texas Law Dog, analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data around fatal crashes involving motorcyclists per state from 2018 to 2022.

The second most reported cause is distraction due to an outside person, object or event with 121 counts reported.

Some states are more vulnerable than others.

Wyoming experienced 79 fatal motorcycle crashes from 2018 to 2022, which equates to 13.53 fatal crashes per 100,000 people.

Florida experienced 2,838 fatal motorcycle crashes from 2018 to 2022, which equates to 12.55 fatal crashes per 100,000 people.

South Carolina experienced 662 fatal motorcycle crashes from 2018 to 2022, which equates to 12.32 fatal crashes per 100,000 people.

“Understanding the causes of motorcycle fatalities is important for developing effective safety measures,” the Texas Law Dog reported. “Inattention, whether due to distracted driving or other factors, continues to be the leading contributor to fatal crashes.

“This data shows the need for awareness and stronger enforcement of traffic laws to reduce dis- tractions, as well as in- creased rider education to help prevent these accidents.”

To stay safe, riders in many states must always wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet and eye protection, take a motorcycle safety course, and be aware of weather conditions, road hazards and other vehicles.

Here are some other good safety tips:

• Wear high-quality riding gear designed to protect you during a fall.

• Inspect your motorcycle before each ride and ensure all lights, horn and mirrors are working properly.

• Take a motorcycle safety course to improve your skills and knowledge.

• Familiarize yourself with the controls and read the owner’s manual.

• Stay visible: Wear bright, reflective clothing and use reflective decals on your motorcycle and helmet.

• Maintain a visible lane position, avoiding blind spots and surface hazards.

• Be aware of other vehicles and ride defensively.

• Follow traffic laws, signals and speed limits.

• Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.

• Regularly check your mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes.

• Watch for road hazards, debris and changing road conditions.

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Use hand signals and turn signals to communicate your intentions.

• All drivers must be aware of motorcycles and give them ample space, especially in adverse conditions.

• Do not tailgate motorcycles, as they can stop at shorter distances than cars.

• Be aware of motorcycle blind spots and ensure visibility.

With gas prices still quite high, more folks are turning to more fuel-efficient rides, such as motorcycles, in the summer.

Hopefully, we can all share the road safely.