Crossville Police Department Promotes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

PRESS RELEASE

The City of Crossville Police Department will be partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office to promote motorcycle safety during the month of May, which is nationally recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Agencies participate by providing information and increasing awareness in their communities about the importance of sharing the road and looking twice for motorcyclists.

“Motorcycles will be out sharing our roadways as the weather gets warmer, which is why it’s the perfect time for us to remind the community about the vulnerability of motorcycle riders,” said LT. Brian Eckelson. “All drivers need to know how to look out for and respond to motorcycles to avoid crashes.”

Here are a few safe driving tips to prevent crashing with a motorcycle:

• Always allow ample following distance – three to four seconds – when driving behind a motorcycle. Motorcycles can stop faster than any vehicle on the road. Your car will not be able to stop quickly enough, to avoid a collision, in an emergency.
• Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
• Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Motorcycle signals are often non-canceling. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
• Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.

According to preliminary data, there were 2,988 crashes involving a motorcycle statewide last year. Of those crashes, Tennessee experienced 134 motorcycle fatalities.