Distracted Drivers
What are you thinking?
Did you know that motorcycle-crash fatalities have risen within the past year to 146. There were 118 deaths in 2004 and 75 deaths in 2001 (Golfen, 2006). So why the jump in Arizona motorcycle deaths you might ask? On of the major concerns is that automobile drivers just donÂt pay attention to the road. With the increased use of cell phones, I-Pods, and other electronic devices, more and more motorcyclists are being killed in accidents involving distracted drivers.
So what do we do to help slow down the rate of motorcycle deaths? First, riders need to educate themselves and drive defensively as possible. Also it is a great idea to dress to be seen. Wearing clothing that is bright in color helps the chances that the motorcyclists will be seen by automobile drivers. Also wearing of helmets dramatically increases the chances of a motorcyclist to survive a crash (Ullrich, 2003).
Second, there needs to be education for automobile drivers. A key in this is for the federal government to enact stronger laws against drivers that drive distracted. There needs to be an all out media blitz to educate the public on the hazards of driving distracted. Should we have commercials that show the hazards of driving distracted? Sure! Just as driving drunk or under the influence of drugs, driving distracted can and has had fatal consequences.
So both the motorcyclist and the automobile driver need to take responsibility while on the road. But there is more responsibility of the driver of the automobile to be more attentive and drive responsibly and not distracted. There have been many times that I have driven the Valley by-ways and highways and seen some really distracted drivers. Recently I witnessed a driver talking on a cell phone while trying to read what I think was a map while driving down I-10. Too much multi-tasking while driving a potential weapon that can kill in an instant.
Please do everyone a favor, do not drive distracted!
References:
Ullrich, Dan. (2003) Bikers Beware: Motorcycle Deaths on the Rise. HealthLink  Medical College of Wisconsin. Retrieved Sept 4. http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/1031002245.html
Golfen, Bob. (2006) More Arizonans Riding, Dying On Motorcycles. The Arizona Republic.Saturdayay, September 2, 2006.
Did you know that motorcycle-crash fatalities have risen within the past year to 146. There were 118 deaths in 2004 and 75 deaths in 2001 (Golfen, 2006). So why the jump in Arizona motorcycle deaths you might ask? On of the major concerns is that automobile drivers just donÂt pay attention to the road. With the increased use of cell phones, I-Pods, and other electronic devices, more and more motorcyclists are being killed in accidents involving distracted drivers.
So what do we do to help slow down the rate of motorcycle deaths? First, riders need to educate themselves and drive defensively as possible. Also it is a great idea to dress to be seen. Wearing clothing that is bright in color helps the chances that the motorcyclists will be seen by automobile drivers. Also wearing of helmets dramatically increases the chances of a motorcyclist to survive a crash (Ullrich, 2003).
Second, there needs to be education for automobile drivers. A key in this is for the federal government to enact stronger laws against drivers that drive distracted. There needs to be an all out media blitz to educate the public on the hazards of driving distracted. Should we have commercials that show the hazards of driving distracted? Sure! Just as driving drunk or under the influence of drugs, driving distracted can and has had fatal consequences.
So both the motorcyclist and the automobile driver need to take responsibility while on the road. But there is more responsibility of the driver of the automobile to be more attentive and drive responsibly and not distracted. There have been many times that I have driven the Valley by-ways and highways and seen some really distracted drivers. Recently I witnessed a driver talking on a cell phone while trying to read what I think was a map while driving down I-10. Too much multi-tasking while driving a potential weapon that can kill in an instant.
Please do everyone a favor, do not drive distracted!
References:
Ullrich, Dan. (2003) Bikers Beware: Motorcycle Deaths on the Rise. HealthLink  Medical College of Wisconsin. Retrieved Sept 4. http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/1031002245.html
Golfen, Bob. (2006) More Arizonans Riding, Dying On Motorcycles. The Arizona Republic.Saturdayay, September 2, 2006.
posted by Doc Loesch at 11:37 AM
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