Beyond the Flames

Eventually, the snow will have to stop in South Jersey, and the weather will make for much more appealing rides for motorists throughout the county. Drivers will hit the highways and back roads of the area to explore all the sights and sounds that the area has to offer, motorcyclists included.
Motorcycles are a major part of the Cape May County traffic makeup throughout most of the year, whether those riders are headed to one of the annual motorcycle weekends in Wildwood our just out for a drive like many others on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Motorcycle traffic understandably increases in the summertime as the weather becomes warmer, but the two-wheeled machines have a strong presence in the county year-round. But on the same page, Motorcycle accidents are often some of the most traumatic, injury-ridden incidents that first responders respond to in the county.
In New Jersey alone, first responders see an average of 2,500 accidents involving at least one motorcycle each year, resulting in approximately 300 deaths and over 2,000 injuries. You might suspect this to be the result of the often-portrayed aggressive driving of motorcyclists. Television shows such as FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” have helped to perpetuate an idea of arrogant gang members acting as though they rule the street. However, according to the U.S. Institute for Highway Safety, more than 65 percent of motorcycle accidents that happen each year come as a result of the driver of a four-wheeled vehicle, not the motorcyclist. As a result, motorcyclists are on a constant push to raise awareness about motorcycle safety, both for riders and other drivers on the road.
You may be familiar with the “Look Twice, Save a Life” banners and stickers that can be seen throughout the area. As a driver not on a motorcycle, there are a few things you can do to decrease your risk of being involved in an accident with one.
It’s important to understand that motorcycles are vastly different from four-wheeled vehicles. These vehicles are handled differently, different stopping distances, turning radiuses and appearances to other drivers. Due to the size of motorcycles, they can easily be missed in mirror checks, and can often fit fully into a blind spot without detection of a driver.
When checking your surroundings behind and to the sides of your vehicle, take an extra second to look and consider a motorcyclist. The size of motorcycles can also affect your ability to judge an oncoming motorcycle’s distance and speed. Always assume a motorcyclist is closer than they appear at first glance. While the stopping distance for motorcycles is relatively the same distance as that of normal four-wheeled vehicles, several factors should be considered by those behind motorcycles.
Motorcycles often slow their cycles by downshifting or letting off of the throttle, resulting in no brake light indicator. Always be aware that a motorcycle might be coming to a stop without a notification via brake light. Keeping a larger than normal distance behind motorcyclists can greatly lower the chances of accident.
Motorcyclists often can identify problems in the roadway quickly, and may need to swerve or slow down to avoid things such as debris or potholes. Not all motorcyclists are the ones you see on TV. Many are your neighbors and friends, those that that enjoy the open-air feeling of a motorcycle, These riders aren’t out to become a motorcycle gang member or nuisance to other drivers, they’re out to share the same roads as you. Remain aware of your surroundings, and make sure everybody goes home from their drive. Stay safe.