According to the
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, approximately 100 motorcyclists are
killed and more than 2,500 are injured each year in Wisconsin traffic crashes.
Last September, Wisconsin saw a total of 314 crashes resulting in 17 fatalities
and 267 injuries.
This weekend,
drivers may experience an increase in motorcycle traffic due to the annual
Northwoods Fall Ride in Tomahawk, WI. Whether driving or riding, it’s important
that everyone is extra cautious and alert while on the road.
Motorcycle
crashes often occur when a car or truck driver changes lanes, turns left,
or pulls out in front of a motorcycle. Because of their size, motorcycles are
more difficult to see, especially in blind spots.
“Motorcycle crashes
can be fatal. Cars provide a layer of protection that a motorcycle doesn’t have
when in an accident. Some of the more common injuries motorcyclists can suffer
in a crash are traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, lacerations, broken
ribs, facial disfigurement, and internal bleeding”, says Dr. Jeffrey Wild,
Aspirus Wausau Hospital Trauma Medical Director. “The patients that recover
from their injuries, often require immediate hospitalization and rehabilitation
for weeks or months following a crash.”
Over each of the
past four years, Aspirus Wausau Hospital (AWH) has seen increased emergency
room visits related to motorcycle injuries during the weekend of the Tomahawk
Fall Ride.
While on the roads,
keep in mind these
tips to ensure the safety of both riders and drivers this coming weekend.
- Share the road. No
matter how small the vehicles are or how much extra room that there appears to
be, never share a single lane with a motorcycle. It can result in a serious
accident and is illegal.
- Communicate
intentions. Look twice for other vehicles and use turn signals to help inform
riders of anticipated movements on the road. Give others adequate time to slow
down and break by turning on blinkers and gradually coming to a halt.
- Always check blind
spots. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can be even more
difficult to spot while merging or changing lanes. Take extra time to search
for other vehicles and scan blind spots.
- Be cautious of night
riders. Help riders stay safe after dark by increasing the distance between
vehicles. Ensure high-beams are turned off when noticing an approaching
motorcycle and refrain from passing. Rear-ending a motorcycle can be fatal to
the rider.
- Buckle
up, put the phone down and avoid distractions. Use a seat belt every trip and
put the phone down when driving. Avoid any activity that takes the drivers eyes
off the road.
For more information
visit, www.aspirus.org/.