IRVINE, CA. May 1, 2017 – ForCarDrivers.com, a program created by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, has introduced a new tool to help novice and experienced drivers stay safe behind the wheel: the ForCarDrivers.com “Driver’s Commitment to Safety” checklist.
The MSF has previously published a motorcyclist-specific Contract for Safety for use as a discussion tool and to formalize a motorcyclist’s or prospective motorcyclist’s commitment to his family and friends to ride safely and responsibly.
However, half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle – car or truck – and the four-wheel driver is at fault in many cases. These fatal crashes typically occur at intersections, and often involve a car or truck driver turning left in front of an oncoming motorcyclist whom the driver did not notice. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 35% of car-versus-motorcycle crashes, it is the car driver who violated the motorcyclist’s right-of-way.
So, for Motorcycle Awareness Month 2017, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation turns its attention to non-motorcyclists with the Driver’s Commitment to Safety checklist.
The handy reminders and precautions in the checklist encompass many of the variables present in the traffic safety equation, and stress that attitude is as important as the physical skill of driving. Car drivers need to realize that no matter how safely and responsibly a motorcyclist operates his or her motorcycle, motorcyclists – along with bicyclists and pedestrians – are truly vulnerable roadway users. A car driver who isn’t 100% committed to the driving task can collide with a vulnerable roadway user, and the results can be devastating to the vulnerable party.
While cars themselves have become “smarter” with the addition of passive safety features such as airbags, automated braking assist, lane departure warnings, and blind-spot detectors, car drivers seem to have become less skilled and less involved in the motoring task. The portion of drivers who use consistently use turn signals has dropped to 47%, for example. Add in cell phone use, drowsiness, putting on makeup or shaving, and other distractions and impairments, and the traffic environment has become a virtual battleground. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, nearly 80 percent of crashes and near-crashes involve some form of driver inattention in the three seconds before the crash.
ForCarDrivers.com implores drivers to step-up their game and commit to driving safely and responsibly by using the Driver’s Commitment to Safety checklist and sharing it with family, friends, and co-workers.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF® have been recognized worldwide since 1973. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Polaris, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest you, visit msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.
