NYPD and DOT Collaborate for Safer Motorcycle Practices

By BoroPark24 Staff

This morning, the DOT and NYPD held a press conference to emphasize the importance of motorcycle safety. 

This comes after the alarming statistic of 55 motorcycle fatalities in NYC in 2023, marking an all-time high. According to the DOT, out of these 55 fatalities, only 13 riders possessed the proper license to operate a motorcycle, and a mere 20 (or 36 percent) of the involved motorcycles were properly registered. It was also noted that May is motorcycle safety awareness month.

It was announced that the NYPD Highway District will be participating in numerous local meetings and events across the five boroughs, where they will share training, information, and safety tips. Additionally, routine inspections will be conducted by the NYPD Highway Department in all five boroughs.

Here are some motorcycle safety tips:

For Drivers:

• Watch for motorcycles. Be aware of motorcycles sharing our roadways during all seasons, but particularly during the spring and summer months when riding is most popular.
• Yield to motorcycles. Don't turn quickly in front of an on-coming motorcycle as it may be traveling faster than it appears.
• Look Twice and Save a Life. Check your mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes. Also, when negotiating busy intersections, look twice for motorcycles before proceeding safely. Because they are smaller, they may be hard to see.
• Be a responsible driver. Ensure your vehicle is in safe operating condition and that all safety equipment is properly adjusted. Observe and obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals, and make sure that any items you are hauling are properly secured before driving.
• Stay focused on the road and your surroundings. Never drive distracted. Don't let cell phones and other activities distract you from your core mission — driving safely.
• Drive sober. Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs and discourage others from doing so. Impaired driving is an indiscriminate killer with no demographic barriers.

For Motorcyclists:

• “Protect your melon.” Always wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection. 'Novelty Helmets' are not approved and offer little protection to the rider in a crash. In fact, they are illegal to wear on New York roadways.
• Always wear high quality riding gear. Designed to protect the rider during a fall. This includes over-the-ankle boots, full finger gloves with padding in addition to jackets and pants with armor protection at impact points.
• Be conspicuous. Wear high visibility vests, garments with reflective features and accessories to boost your visibility to other drivers. 
• Maintain your motorcycle properly. Ensure your lights and horn are working and both mirrors are adjusted. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have legal tread depth. Remember, motorcycles maintain a smaller tire contact patch on the roadway when compared to other vehicles. Good traction is a key component to safe handling and braking in normal and adverse situations.
• Maintain a high level of awareness. Scan the roadway constantly. If you are tired, take a break and re-energize to boost your concentration.
• Drive sober. Never ride impaired by alcohol or drugs and discourage other riders from making a bad choice.
• Turn left with caution. Most crashes between cars and motorcycles involve turning left. If you are preparing to cross traffic or turn left, take a second look to make sure it is safe to proceed.
• Slow down. Slow down, take your time and maintain control of the motorcycle.
• Allow adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Use the 'two second' rule as a safety zone.
• Observe and obey all traffic laws, signs and signals.
• Let other motorists know your intentions. Signal when you turn with your directional lights or hand signals. Also, flashing your brake light periodically before you stop will alert drivers behind you to be cautious!