Be aware of motorcycle riders - Speech or Presentation Example

Be Aware of Motorcycle Riders Be Aware of Motorcycle Riders Over the years, there has been a growth in the salesand registration of motorcycles in the United States. Whereas before motorcycling for Americans was more for recreation, nowadays it is a popular alternative to riding cars due to the rising costs of fuel, environmental concerns and convenience. However, along with the growth of motorcycling is a rise in the number of accidents, property losses, injuries and fatalities involving motorcycles.

Latest statistics available show that in 2009 alone, there were a total of 4,595 fatal crashes involving motorcycles across the United States and in those crashes, more than 84,000 were injured (Edgar Snyder & Associates, n.d.). According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a person is 37 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than a car accident and nine times more likely to become injured while riding a motorcycle than while driving a car (Keller & Keller, par.6). These data are quite alarming and disturbing.

I think that it should be the concern of every American, motorcycle rider or not, to be more cognizant of motorcycles on the road. Motorists should be reminded that motorcycles are a legal and legitimate form of transportation and that motorcyclists have as much of a right to be on the road as other motor vehicles. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury in case of a crash. This is one reason why motorists must be especially aware of the dangers that motorcyclists face on the road. Motorists must always be reminded that they must "share the road" with motorcycles and that they should be aware of the presence of motorcycles at all times, since they might be more difficult to see than other cars.

Over two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers, not by motorcyclists (Saveabiker.com, par.1). Most of the time the driver does not notice the oncoming motorcycle at all or does not see the motorcycle in time to avoid a crash. Drivers are usually on the lookout for other cars and not motorcycles. The smaller profile of motorcycles makes it difficult to see them and to estimate their distance and speed. On the other hand, motorcyclists should also do their part by being more visible to motorists.

There are several ways we can become aware of motorcycle riders. Foremost among these is that motorists should give respect to the motorcyclist by according him the same privilege as any car on the road. They too must be given a full lane of travel like cars. Second, motorists should always be on the lookout for motorcyclists especially at intersections. Third, drivers should anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuver. Some obstructions that a driver does not notice may mean death to a motorcyclist.

Lastly, allow plenty of space to a motorcyclist by giving him enough space to take evasive actions. With the growing number of motorcycle riders, which includes women and the youth, I think it is about time that we influence our legislators to introduce more motorcycle-friendly legislations. These legislations will also prevent the increasing number of motorcycle accidents. There should be a move to protect, preserve and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations.

I believe in the freedom of motorcyclists all over the United States. I believe in the right of motorcycle riders. Together we must fight for this right and let car drivers realize that they are not the only persons on the road. Together let us put an end to tragic motorcycle accidents by making all motorists aware of the vehicle called MOTORCYLE! References Edgar Snyder & Associates. Motorcycle statistics for accidents and crashes. (n.d.). edgarsnyder.com. Retrieved 9 June 2011. http://www.edgarsnyder.

com/motorcycle- accident/statistics.html Keller & Keller. Motorcycle accident statistics / motorcycle accident facts / motorcycle accident lawyer. (n.d.). Retrieved 9 June 2011. http://www.2keller.com/library/motorcycle- accident-statistics-motorcycle-accident-facts.cfm Save a Biker. Motorcycle awareness. (n.d.). saveabiker.com.Retrieved 9 June 2011. http://www.saveabiker.com/site.cfm?p=4