Two Wheel Safety

      Motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, and all seem to be becoming more popular. The number of registered motorcycles alone has gone up seventy-five percent in the last ten years according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

      Experts expect all forms of cycles to continue to increase in popularity due many factors including the high price of gas. Accordingly, all motorists need to be mindful of cyclists on the road, and cyclists need to exercise good safety habits.

      Nationally, North Carolina ranks eighth in motorcycle deaths, and the number doubled over just the past five years. Traffic deaths declined nationally last year reaching the lowest rate in ten years, however North Carolina had the largest increase of any state, up 121 over the prior year. In fact, most states have seen an overall decrease in traffic fatalities in recent years - North carolina is one of a few that has experienced an increase.

       We previously discussed bicycle safety in See and be Seen. Interestingly, the same rules and principles apply to bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. Most importantly, when you are on the road you are a vehicle under the law just like any other vehicle. This means obeying traffic lights and signs, staying on the proper side of the road, not cruising past lines of motorists stopped in traffic, and all other rules of the road.

      We are likely to continue to see an increase of two wheelers on our roads. We need to work together to increase the safety on our roads to decrease injuries and deaths. It is up to all of us to practice safety daily, respect each other, and make North Carolina roads safer for everyone.