From the Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety Month.
Each year, May marks both National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and Bicycle Safety Month ahead of the unofficial start of the summer travel season.
“With Alabama’s scenic roadways and warmer weather fast approaching, both motorcyclists and cyclists increasingly take to the road to enjoy a relaxing ride,” said Hal Taylor, ALEA Secretary.
“However, these riders are some of the most vulnerable users on the road and are exposed to dangers those driving vehicles do not experience. All too often, we take for granted how fast a crash can occur. If everyone is vigilant and respectful to other riders and drivers when we are on the roadway, we can all do our part to keep all of our roadways safe.”
According to statistics from the Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS) at the University of Alabama, 44 individuals on bicycles have been fatally injured and 207 individuals were seriously injured in traffic crashes between 2018 and 2022. Fourteen of the 44 individuals were killed in 2022.
During the same reporting period, 417 motorcycle occupants were killed, 95 of whom were killed in 2022; and a total of 2,248 individuals were seriously injured.
Primary contributing factors in those crashes involving bicycles included “unseen object/person/vehicle,” improper crossing, improper lane change/use and being on wrong side of the road. In crashes involving motorcycles, primary contributing factors included aggressive operation, being followed too closely, traveling over the speed limit, “unseen object/person/vehicle,” defective equipment, DUI, traveling too fast for conditions and swerving to avoid an animal.
ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director, Colonel Jon Archer said, “Throughout the month of May the Agency will be sharing safety tips and spreading awareness of bicycle and motorcycle safety for all drivers and cyclists. We ask motorists to be especially aware of conditions around them, maintain a safe distance when following motorcycles, check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and pay particular attention when making left turns across traffic.”