Delaware Office of Highway Safety Kicks Off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
News | Date Posted: Thursday, April 21, 2022
News | Date Posted: Thursday, April 21, 2022
The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) kicks off the riding season with its motorcycle safety awareness campaign from 4/23 – 5/8 in conjunction with the Governor’s Proclamation designating May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. OHS will be partnering with State and local law enforcement agencies to conduct statewide safety patrols to ensure motorcyclists and motorists are obeying traffic safety laws. Additionally, OHS is utilizing digital advertising, social media, public relations, and grassroots outreach to urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert!
“Tragically, in 2021 there were 24 motorcycle fatalities in Delaware. This was the highest number Delaware has seen in over 40 years.” Said Jackie McDermott, Traffic Safety Program Manager, Delaware Office of Highway Safety, “We want to remind motorcyclists to make themselves visible, follow posted speed limits, use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets and safety gear, and always ride sober. OHS wants to remind motorists that all road users have the right to be safe using Delaware roadways and motorcyclists along with pedestrians and bicyclists deserve safety and protection while on the road.”
One of the primary contributing factors to motorcycle fatalities is speeding. In 2021, there were 226 Motorcycle crashes and 66 serious injuries in Delaware. Another primary factor is motorists turning left into the path of a motorcyclist. Motorcycle riders aged 20 – 29 accounted for 46% of all fatalities, with most crashes occurring between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Alcohol impairment also plays a significant role in motorcycle-involved crashes accounting for 30% of fatalities.
NHTSA reports that nationally in 2020, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, an increase from 2019 (5,044). In contrast, an estimated 82,528 motorcyclists were injured, a 2% increase from 83,814 motorcyclists injured in 2019. Motorcyclist deaths accounted for 14% of the total highway fatalities that year.
Research also shows that motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities each year. In fact, in 2020, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured.
Motorcyclists have the same rights to the road, and the same desire to Arrive Alive. OHS is partnering with local motorcycle suppliers and dealerships to spread awareness of safe riding practices and encourage riders to sign up for a state-approved Motorcycle Rider Safety Course.
Visit Respect the Ride – Arrive Alive DE for more information and to register for a motorcycle rider safety course.
Safe driving and riding practices by all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our highways. While on the roadways keep the following tips in mind:
Tips for Riders
Tips for Motorists
###
Media Contact:
Delaware Office Of Highway Safety
Jason Coleman
jason.coleman@delaware.gov
302-744-2743 (office)
302-943-7293 (cell)
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
News | Date Posted: Thursday, April 21, 2022
The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) kicks off the riding season with its motorcycle safety awareness campaign from 4/23 – 5/8 in conjunction with the Governor’s Proclamation designating May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. OHS will be partnering with State and local law enforcement agencies to conduct statewide safety patrols to ensure motorcyclists and motorists are obeying traffic safety laws. Additionally, OHS is utilizing digital advertising, social media, public relations, and grassroots outreach to urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert!
“Tragically, in 2021 there were 24 motorcycle fatalities in Delaware. This was the highest number Delaware has seen in over 40 years.” Said Jackie McDermott, Traffic Safety Program Manager, Delaware Office of Highway Safety, “We want to remind motorcyclists to make themselves visible, follow posted speed limits, use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets and safety gear, and always ride sober. OHS wants to remind motorists that all road users have the right to be safe using Delaware roadways and motorcyclists along with pedestrians and bicyclists deserve safety and protection while on the road.”
One of the primary contributing factors to motorcycle fatalities is speeding. In 2021, there were 226 Motorcycle crashes and 66 serious injuries in Delaware. Another primary factor is motorists turning left into the path of a motorcyclist. Motorcycle riders aged 20 – 29 accounted for 46% of all fatalities, with most crashes occurring between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Alcohol impairment also plays a significant role in motorcycle-involved crashes accounting for 30% of fatalities.
NHTSA reports that nationally in 2020, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, an increase from 2019 (5,044). In contrast, an estimated 82,528 motorcyclists were injured, a 2% increase from 83,814 motorcyclists injured in 2019. Motorcyclist deaths accounted for 14% of the total highway fatalities that year.
Research also shows that motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities each year. In fact, in 2020, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured.
Motorcyclists have the same rights to the road, and the same desire to Arrive Alive. OHS is partnering with local motorcycle suppliers and dealerships to spread awareness of safe riding practices and encourage riders to sign up for a state-approved Motorcycle Rider Safety Course.
Visit Respect the Ride – Arrive Alive DE for more information and to register for a motorcycle rider safety course.
Safe driving and riding practices by all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our highways. While on the roadways keep the following tips in mind:
Tips for Riders
Tips for Motorists
###
Media Contact:
Delaware Office Of Highway Safety
Jason Coleman
jason.coleman@delaware.gov
302-744-2743 (office)
302-943-7293 (cell)
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.