Superintendent Colonel Melissa Zebley
With warmer weather and Memorial Day weekend upon us, the Delaware State Police would like to remind motorcyclists, motorcycle passengers, and individuals interested in purchasing motorcycles to use caution when traveling on Delaware roadways. In 2019 the Delaware State Police investigated 242 motorcycle crashes with 14 being fatal crashes. To decrease the number of crashes involving motorcycles, the Delaware State Police would like to share the following important information to help keep motorcyclists and drivers safe.
When considering purchasing a motorcycle, it is crucial to receive the proper training and required motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. There are multiple ways to obtain these. For example, the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers a written examination and road skills test. There are also motorcycle rider education programs at all DMV locations and participating local motorcycle dealerships. It is essential the necessary training be obtained by motorcycle riders to help keep themselves safe on the roadways and learn how to be more visible to the non-motorcycle riding community, which significantly increases their safety.
Dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, driving erratically and motorcycle drivers driving beyond their capabilities are dangerous and can be contributing factors to crashes. In addition, driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, illicit drugs or prescription medication can negatively impact a driver’s ability to think, reaction time and balance.
It is important to remember, by taking precautionary measures, motorcyclists can help prevent crashes and injuries by:
Safer motorcycle rides start with respect. Check out the Office of Highway Safety’s Motorcycle Safety website at ArriveAliveDE.com/Motorcycle-Safety and find out where you can take the Motorcycle Rider Safety Course, popular routes for riders throughout the state of Delaware, and check the street smarts section that teaches you how to conduct a pre-ride check-called T-CLOCS. While you’re visiting, check out the video section featuring some of Delaware’s riders as they talk about why motorcycle safety is so important.
Motorists can help to make the roads safer by taking some simple precautions: