MAY IS NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH
Driving is not a right or a privilege but a responsibility which should be taken very seriously. We should
always be courteous with all who share the road including motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Motorcyclists share the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the roadway. During
National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and during the rest of the year, drivers of all other vehicles
and all road users are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcyclists, and to be extra alert to
help keep our roadways safe. We are urging all motorists to “Look twice and save a life.” Governor
Susana Martinez has proclaimed May 2016 as “Motorcycle Awareness Month in New Mexico.”
Statistics show, that motorcyclists are about 30 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle
occupants. It is for this reason that responsible driving habits are crucial for the safety of all riders,
drivers and passengers. We call on all drivers to watch for motorcycles, especially at intersections and
while making turns and lane changes. Drivers are not always able to estimate the speed and distance of
an approaching motorcycle because of its smaller dimensions. To prevent crashes, drivers should check
the position of a motorcycle at least twice, and it is recommended that they check a third time before they
proceed through an intersection, or make a turn. Please allow the standard NHTSB’s recommended 3 to
4 seconds of following distance to avoid a motorcyclist who may slow down at intersections without visual
warning. When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as a motorcycle; think of it as a person. Be on
the lookout for motorcycles, especially in mirrors and blind spots. Please use turn signals to alert others
of your intentions, and pay attention to motorcyclist’s hand signals.
Please don’t drink and drive or drink and ride. Each crash, each death, each injury impacts not only
the person in the crash, but family, and friends. On a typical New Mexico weekend night, 155,871 drunk
drivers are out on New Mexico roads. About 15% of New Mexico drivers drive while impaired each year –
that’s 224,065 drivers.
Please don’t text and drive. Driver inattention is a leading cause of deaths on our highways. Drivers
please check your blind spots and look out for motorcyclists when changing lanes. Most accidents happen
because a driver of a car didn’t see the motorcyclist.
Motorcyclists must also be respectful of those we share the road with. All motorcyclists should take a
basic rider course to enhance their riding skills, and wear protective gear when riding. If we all follow the
rules of the road we will return home safely to our loved ones.
Annette Torrez
New Mexico Motorcyclist Rights Chair
www.nmmro.org
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NM CliQ Magazine | May 2016