Road Safety: Watch out for motorcyclists
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If summer is (unofficially) upon us, then it is time to be vigilant about more than just sunscreen and bug spray. Here in West Virginia we have just the kind of roads that make riding a motorcycle a joy -- even a new Seneca Skyway, from Lewisburg through the Potomac Highlands.
That's just the first of four scenic routes planned as part of the state's Mountain Ride program, a collaboration between the West Virginia departments of tourism and transportation.
"We all know how beautiful our state is," said Gov. Jim Justice.
We can't let that beauty be marred by tragedy if we are careless in sharing the roads with those motorcyclists we hope will enjoy it, too.
According to Jeff Miller, executive director of the West Virginia Parkways Authority, there were 38 motorcyclist fatalities in 2020, a dramatic increase from 28 in 2019.
"Drivers need to understand that a motorcycle rider has different safety challenges on the roadway because of the motorcycle's size, visibility, and riding practices like downshifting and weaving to be able to anticipate and respond to motorcyclists' behavior. Motorcycles are among the most vulnerable vehicles on the road, putting riders at greater risk of death and serious injury in a crash," according to the Department of Transportation.
Be aware, look twice, and don't be distracted.
(While we're at it, if you live on property along any of our scenic roadways, don't spray your grass and weed clippings onto the roadway. That's deadly for motorcyclists, too.)
Let's keep this summer safer for ALL those traveling our wild, wonderful, winding roads.