The Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office in promoting motorcycle safety during the month of May, nationally recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
MPD and other agencies participate by providing information and increasing awareness in their communities about the importance of sharing the road and looking twice for motorcyclists.
“We would like to encourage the motoring public in Murfreesboro to be aware of motorcycles because they are more difficult to see,” said Murfreesboro Police Captain Cary Gensemer. “There is no such thing as a fender bender when riding a motorcycle.”
According to preliminary data, there were 65 motorcycle crashes in the city of Murfreesboro in 2019; two of those were fatal.
Over a three-year period in Murfreesboro, from January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2019, there were 246 motorcycle crashes; 10 were fatal.
Here are a few safe driving tips to prevent crashes with a motorcycle:
- Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
- Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Motorcycle signals are often non-canceling. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
- Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
- Always allow ample follow distance - three to four seconds - when driving behind a motorcycle. This gives riders more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency