Motorcycle Safety Awareness

Highway Safety Responsibilities we all have as users of the roadways.


Every motorist and motorcyclist alike should always “share the road” conscientiously and courteously to help prevent motorcycle crashes which remain one of the most prevalent causes of death and injury on Panama City and Panama City Beach Florida roadways and across the nation.


Motorcyclists are about 30 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA, whether you are driving the family sedan, an SUV, a school bus, a delivery van, or an 18-wheeler, drivers should always be on
the lookout for motorcyclists.


Drivers must be aware that a motorcycle, is one of the smallest of vehicles on the road, and can be “hiding” in your vehicle’s blind spots. Always check blind spots, use mirrors and signal before changing lanes or making turns.


Motorcyclists have responsibilities too. All motorcycle riders should obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed, alert to other drivers, be as conspicuous as possible at all times, never ride impaired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, additionally riders should always wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet (DOT) marking on helmet and other protective gear or protective clothing. Riding smart and riding safe are the motorcyclists operators greatest responsibility and even more so if you have a passenger on the back seat if your motorcycle is so equipped.


Do Remember, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle. The person under that helmet could be a mother, brother, doctor, college professor, or friend.
Do Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width - never try to share a lane.
Do Perform a regular visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections.
Do Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
Do Allow more following distance - three or four seconds - when behind a motorcycle to give the motorcyclist time to maneuver around obstacles in the roadway, or stop in an emergency.


Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling like cars or trucks and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;


All Motorcyclists can increase their safety by:
1. Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet.
2. Using turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it.
3. Signaling intentions by combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves.
4. Wearing brightly colored protective gear, and using reflective tape and stickers to increase being conspicuous and readily seen. Fluorescent green, yellow, and orange are excellent colors for increased visibility.
5. Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers;
6. Never riding while impaired.


The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is to help to share in the responsibility of keeping all road users safe, and do your part by safely sharing the road. Watch for motorcycles they are everywhere!

WARNING: Don't ever ride like the dangerous riders in this video.
Cary Deeter Sr.