The police-drawn diagrams of car-motorcycle or car-bicycle accidents never look very hopeful: a boxy looking sketch represents the car; nearby in the street is a stick-figure representing the motorcyclist or bicyclist.
Many times, the reports note that the operator of a car — still accustomed to winter driving — didn’t anticipate seeing a motorcyclist or a bicyclist.
The point that needs to be made is simple. It’s spring, beware of those two-wheeled vehicles. Both motorcyclists and bicyclists have the right to expect safe passage on city and county streets.
There has been good news lately concerning accidents. In 2009, traffic fatalities were at the lowest (33,963 were recorded) level since 1954, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
In other studies, generally, motorcycle fatalities represent 11 percent of all highway fatalities yet motorcycles account for 3 percent of all registered vehicles. The reason is rather elementary: motorcycles have little protection in a crash.
While progress has been made in reducing fatalities among passenger vehicle occupants, motorcycle fatalities have been rising since 1997. They are commonly referred to the USA’s greatest highway traffic safety challenge.
As more drivers turn to motorcycles, Indiana has also seen an increase in fatal collisions, as recently as through 2008.
Motorcyclists know that safety tips can always be found at the informative and up-to-date www.abateofindiana.org. Bicycle safety tips can be located at the Indiana Department of Transportation’s Web Site through its Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. Look for the bicycle safety activity kit. Basically, bicyclists should wear a properly fitting helmet; don’t wear headphones; wear bright clothes to be seen better, and avoid loose clothing or shoelaces that can get caught in the chain.
Drivers of other vehicles can go to these sites, too.
But, as spring takes off today, one cautionary reminder is that the season is to be enjoyed by all drivers, passengers and walkers. Avoid being named on an accident report. Be aware.
Editorials
Editorial: Look out for bicyclists, motorcyclists this spring
- Editorials
-
-
Editorial: Sentencing should be determined by judge most familiar with case
We should show concern about the handling of a criminal’s recent case under the Madison County unified court system, a concept where judges share resources to help reduce costs, avoid backlogs and move cases forward.
-
Editorial: 911 consolidation good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
-
Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
-
You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
-
Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
-
Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
-
Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
-
Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
-
Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
-
Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
