A recent New York Times article reported that in 2005 the rate of deaths in highway accidents rose for the first time in almost 20 years, an increase attributed to a spike in the number of fatal motorcycle accidents. John Sudlow is project coordinator for the free Motorcycle Rider Program at Illinois, which offers basic and advanced classes for motorcycle riders. He was interviewed by News Bureau Intern Liz deAvila.
What are some basic precautions motorcycle riders can take to protect themselves and avoid accidents?
First, let’s clarify that most accidents are not accidents at all. They are crashes which were avoidable. Most crashes involving motorcycles, cars, trucks, bicycles or pedestrians are caused by an accumulation of risk factors that the drive/rider failed to manage effectively. Darkness alone will not cause a crash. A wet road, in itself, will not cause a crash. Speed will not cause a crash. Traffic congestion will not cause a crash. A sharp turn will not cause a crash. Talking on the phone will not cause a crash. Each of these individual risk factors can be managed. However, when a driver or rider combines two, three or more risk factors, the likelihood of a crash increases dramatically. So let’s refer to them as crashes, not accidents.
Your observation that more motorcycles are involved in crashes is accurate. New motorcycle sales are at an all time high as many new and returning motorcyclists are taking to Illinois roadways. Statistically, all of our numbers are up but it is still not clear if our “per mile traveled” crash rate has actually increased due to ambiguities in our national reporting system.
It is very clear, however, that automobile drivers continue to present the greatest risk to the motorcyclist in multi-vehicle crashes. We, as motorcyclists, can minimize our risks of crashing with cars by trying to make ourselves more visible in traffic. We can wear brightly colored protective clothing, position ourselves to avoid drivers’ blind spots, ride within our abilities, and never assume that automobile drivers have identified us in the traffic mix.
As more studies are performed on motorcycle accidents and their causes, certain actions will eventually be taken to counteract these problems. What types of steps would you like to see taken to help decrease the accident rate?
There has been no major research on motorcycle crash causation and recommended countermeasures since the Hurt Report was published in 1981. Our highway environment is changing rapidly. Newer, in-depth research is needed to be proactive in driver education, safety training, highway engineering and law enforcement.
It is much too simplistic to assume that motorcycle operator training alone can reduce motorcycle crash rates significantly. And, while increased use of helmets and other safety gear may affect the injury rate, it will have no affect on the crash rate. We also need to address the main issues of car/truck drivers committing right of way violations, roadway shortcomings, irresponsible attitudes attached to steering wheels and handlebars, and intoxication/impairment.
Many experienced motorcycle riders might feel they have all the necessary skills to ride a motorcycle. What would you say to those who feel there is nothing more they need to learn about riding a motorcycle?
Knowledge will take us much farther down the road than luck. Having a fluid mental strategy is much more critical to safety than having physical skills. And now that the median age of motorcyclists is over 41 years, it is essential that more riders become educated on the effects of aging on strength, balance, reaction time, vision and cognizance. Compromises in any of these critical aspects of motorcycle operation will add cumulatively to our already lengthy list of risk management items. Understanding problems is the best way to avoid them.
The Motorcycle Rider Program is free and funded through motorcycle registrations paid to the Illinois Secretary of State. Where can people go to learn more about this program, such as student eligibility, class schedule and the types of courses offered?
The Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety administers the statewide program. Locally, course information can be accessed on our website.
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