Delaware OHS Urges Riders and Drivers to Stay Alert Following Recent Motorcycle Crashes

After one motorcyclist was tragically killed and two others were seriously injured in separate crashes across Delaware within a 24-hour period, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is urging both motorcyclists and drivers to stay alert and share the road responsibly as motorcycle travel increases during the peak summer riding season. Jeffrey Horvath, deputy director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety says those numbers remind us that motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility–adding that drivers need to look twice for motorcycles, and riders need to stay visible, ride defensively, and always follow the rules of the road. 

Additional Information from the Delaware OHS:

To help reduce crashes and improve rider safety, OHS encourages motorcyclists to:

• Stay alert to changing road conditions and surrounding traffic.
• Wear proper protective gear, including a DOT-compliant helmet and appropriate riding apparel.
• Increase your visibility by using headlights, wearing bright or reflective clothing, and positioning yourself where drivers can see you.
• Obey posted speed limits and ride within your skill level.
• Watch for roadway hazards such as uneven pavement, gravel, debris, wet roads, and potholes.
• Ride defensively and be prepared for distracted or inattentive drivers.

Drivers play an equally important role in preventing motorcycle crashes. OHS encourages motorists to:

• Look twice for motorcycles before changing lanes, merging, or making turns.
• Check mirrors and blind spots carefully, as motorcycles can be harder to see than larger vehicles.
• Allow extra following distance to provide riders with adequate space to maneuver and stop safely.
• Give motorcycles the full width of a lane and avoid sharing a lane with a rider.
• Never drive while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, or other drugs.
• Be patient and attentive. Because motorcycles are smaller and can be difficult to judge in terms of speed and distance, taking an extra moment to look carefully can save a life.