“Six motorcyclists have lost their lives in just over a month” stated Traffic Sergeant Michael Politano.
Although the causes of these collisions are still being investigated, the top crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence and unsafe lane changes, according to a news release from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station. Speeding is the most common factor, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state, sheriff’s officials said.
To help protect Antelope Valley residents and their families, the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station is advising residents to keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
For Drivers
- Drive at a safe speed so you have time to perceive and react to other motorists.
- Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.
- Use your signal when changing lanes.
- Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
- When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.
For Motorcyclists
- Drive at a safe speed so you have time to perceive and react to other motorists.
- Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.
- Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
- Always keep your lights on, even during the day.
- Don’t assume drivers see you; signal well in advance before changing lanes, and watch for turning vehicles.
- Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.
Anyone with information regarding any of the recent fatal motorcycle collisions in Lancaster is encouraged to contact traffic investigators at the Lancaster Sheriff ‘s Station at 661-948-8466.
[Information via news release from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.]
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Patty Gibson says
Cars drive in packs and on congested freeways looking out for truckers and big rigs to stay alive, kinda like wolves survive in Alaska cause they hunt in packs to survive the cold winters if you value your life and wanna survive, join a Harley pack or as neighborhood pack of bikers, don’t be that lone wolf, they don’t survive this fast driving-texting while ya drive generation and ARE NOT LOOKING FOR THAT FAST BIKER
Superbike says
Motorcyclists may want to reconsider riding.
Tim Scott says
In my youth I rode motorcycles…dirt bikes. I never had any desire to joust with cars. I even avoided dirt roads and trails that were wide enough for four wheels. Given all the other reckless excesses of my youth I look back on that with some amazement.
America's Most Has Scrambled Brains says
I liked riding on dirt for the same reasons. But I also had an Yamaha XT enduro that was street legal. So at the crack of dawn before most people and loonies woke up, I would sometimes ride the surface streets (no freeways) to the Angeles Forest and then go off road. Cars scared the bejeebus out of me. I still have that enduro.
ACE says
THE NUMBER ONE SAFETY RULE FOR RIDING MOTORCYCLES IS…
NEVER..! GET OFF OF THE MOTORCYCLE UNTIL IT COMPLETELY STOPS MOVING…
***
Kiki says
This happens so often because everyone is in such a hurry.They drive so fast and desperate to get some where they even drive were its not a lane seen it so many times like slow down and dont put innocent peoples life in danger
Mike says
Fact: Most motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent automobile drivers.
Tim Scott says
A fact that is of little comfort to the families of dead riders. Here’s another fact: when someone wrapped in metal collides with someone wrapped in leather the person wrapped in leather is gonna get the worst of it.
When I was a youngster a deputy came to our school to teach us about laws that apply to bicycle riders. He did a good job overall even if most of it was forgettable. He said one important thing; “Knowing the law and obeying the law is only enough to make you dead right. If you want to survive you have to deal with the reality that drivers look for cars because cars are a threat to them and they only look for bicycles with whatever ‘spare time’ is left over.” The same applies for pedestrians, and motorcycles.