KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Encourage Motorists to “Look Twice for Motorcycles”

	Kingsport Police Department David Quillin, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT:		Kingsport Police Encourage Motorists to "Look Twice for Motorcycles"
DATE:		May 3, 2019

GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department will be partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office to promote motorcycle safety during the month of May, which is nationally recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Participating agencies will be providing educational information and increasing awareness in their communities about the importance of sharing the road and looking twice for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists will be out in force as the weather gets warmer, which is why it is the perfect time to remind the community about the vulnerability of motorcycle riders. All motorists need to know how to anticipate and respond to motorcyclists to avoid crashes. According to preliminary data, there were 2,701 crashes involving motorcycles in Tennessee last year. Of those crashes, 166 were fatal. Following are a few safe driving tips to prevent crashing 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 turn signal on, be careful, and don’t automatically assume it is turning. Motorcycle signals are often non-cancelling. Always ensure that the motorcycle is actually turning before proceeding. • Check all mirrors AND blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections. • Always allow ample following distance – three to four seconds – when driving behind a motorcycle. This gives riders more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.