As the weather warms, Michigan State Police tell drivers they can expect to see more motorcycles out on the roads.

Law enforcement wants to remind motorcyclists and drivers to use extra caution when they hit the streets, to ensure safe travels for all.

There were 3,600 motorcycle accidents in Michigan in 2012 resulting in 132 deaths, according to the Office of Highway Safety Planning. The number of deadly motorcycle accidents has increased 63 percent over the past 10 years, OHSP reports. Michigan State Police urge people to share the road as we begin to see more motorcyclists on the streets. Police say many drivers involved in an accident with a motorcycle say they never saw the motorcycle coming.

“It’s important to be seen,” said Lt. Mike Hahn. “Where you position yourself in your lane and your speed is very important.”

Tyler Thomas with D’s Cycle Sales in Alpena encourages riders to have their motorcycles checked out by a professional.

“Make sure your motorcycle is properly maintained, brakes are up, tire pressure’s good, all lights are working,” he said.

While motorcycle enthusiasts say it’s up to the rider to know the rules of the road, making safety a priority is a responsibility shared by both riders and drivers. “You’ve got to watch for the headlight,” said Thomas. “There’s not much space like a car. You can’t see (the motorcycle) coming so (motorcycles are) all equipped with lights that come on automatically so you’ve just got to be prepared.”

Michigan law allows most motorcyclists to decide for themselves, whether or not to wear a helmet. Riders and passengers younger than 21 years old must still wear a helmet. Motorcyclists are still required to wear protective eyewear, according to Hahn.

 

Do 1 Thing focuses on work, school and community

The Do 1 Thing theme continues with work, school, and community. You should know how others in your community will respond in a disaster. Talk to other people when you are developing an emergency plan for a school, workplace, or organization. Get input from people who work there and other people who use the building. An example would be the mini malls or plazas. It is especially important to include people with disabilities.

Think about asking your local law enforcement and fire departments to review the plan. Make sure that what you are planning won’t interfere with emergency response. Find out if your community has designated evacuation routes for floods, tornadoes, or other disasters. Include this information in your plans. Make sure that the plans you develop will work for everyone.

Since we are now entering tornado season, is your tornado drill plan up to date? When was the last time you had a drill in your business or workplace? These are the little things that need to be considered to be prepared for a disaster. As stated numerous times, don’t wait for the disaster to happen to find out you don’t have a plan. Be prepared.

I will have more information in the next few articles on preparedness as I am attending the Great Lakes Homeland Security Training Conference this week.

 

Rob Herbstreith is a Michigan State Police trooper. Questions or comments can be emailed to TrooperRob53@yahoo.com