Page 66 - LaconiaMCWeek2021

Live Free, Share the Road
Jennifer Tramp, Public Information Officer NH Office of Highway Safety
Motorcycle Safety is about Sharing the Road: As the weather warms this spring, hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists will be on the roads, ready to ride. One way we can reduce traffic fatalities and keep our roads safe is for drivers to understand motorcycle safety challenges such as size and visibility, and riding practices like downshifting and weaving to be able to anticipate and respond to motor- cyclists’ behavior. Motorcycles are among the smallest and most vulnerable vehicles on the road, putting riders at greater risk of death and serious injury in a crash. In fact, research and state-level data consistently identifies motorists as being at-fault in more than half of all multi- vehicle motorcycle-involved collisions.
Older Riders: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Riders 50 and older made up 36% of all motorcycle fatalities in 2017. So-called “re-entry riders,” who rode in their 20s and decided to take it up again in their late 40s to 60s face additional challenges today: more traffic, more powerful bikes, more distracted drivers and diminished physical skills. If you're going to ride a motor- cycle, it's important to commit to a lifetime of learning new skills and brushing up on the old ones.
Protect Yourself and Others: A helmet is the most impor- tant equipment a rider can use. In 2018, 75% of motorcy- clists in NH were not wearing a helmet. Helmets are esti- mated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries.
Here are some more helpful safety tips:
• As a new rider, choose a bike that fits you. Many inexperi- enced riders tend to choose a motorcycle above their skill level “supersport bikes” have driver death rates about four times that of cruisers or standard bikes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
• New riders should take a motorcycle safety course, and experienced riders should take refresher courses after being off their bikes for a while. You can find out more about the New Hampshire Motorcycle Rider Training Program offered through the Division of Motor Vehicles.
• Know the rules of the road.
• Be aware that riding with a passenger requires more skill.
• Never drink and ride.
• Drive defensively, especially at intersections, where half of all collisions occur.
• Watch for hazards on the roads.
• Assume you are invisible to other motorists and position yourself to be seen.
• Use headlights day and night
• Be courteous; don’t weave in and out of lanes, or ride on the shoulder or between lanes.
• Don’t speed.
• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing that is durable and boots that cover the ankles.
• Wear goggles, glasses or use a face shield that’s ventilated to prevent fogging, make sure it’s clear if riding at night.
2018 Helmet statistic – NH FARS 2018 Annual Report Helmet statistic – National Safety Council H
NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTORCYCLE LAWS & HAND SIGNALS
Helmets are required under age 18.
Protective eye cover required unless you have a full windshield.
Mufflers and baffles required. Decibal below 110.
Modification of stock exhaust system to increase noise level is a violation of the law.
Burnouts or wheel stands are not allowed on any public highway.
Passing another vehicle in the same lane is a violation. There must be a seat for a passenger.
Every motorcycle must have a rear view mirror.
NH open container law will be strongly enforced.
Walking in the road and interfering with motorcycle traffic is not allowed.
Start-up
Speed up
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Stop
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Slow down
Cut engines
Pull over
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Blinkers are on Hazard in road
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