KSP Warns Of Spike In Motorcycle Crashes

(Undated) - Kentucky State Police say 2012 has brought a dramatic increase in motorcycle crashes.

For the year to date through April 4, there has been a 69 percent increase in such crashes when compared to the same time period in 2011. There have been 249 motorcycle related crashes resulting in 167 injuries and nine deaths.

“With the unseasonably warm weather we are having, more bikes are out on the road earlier than what motorists are used to seeing,” says KSP Spokesman Lt. David Jude. “With a nearly 70 percent increase in motorcycle related crashes already this year, we need to get in front of this trend and stop the unnecessary injuries and deaths on our roadways.”

Kentucky State Police will begin a week-long social media awareness campaign to try and stem the problem. The agency will get the information out via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Blogger, and more.

“Being fiscally conservative, our agency does not have the financial resources to purchase media packages.   We believe that by tapping into social media, we can still have a voice in proactive messaging, but at minimal expense,” Jude said.

The state police also offer bikers some safety tips:

Remember, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle.

Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane.

Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections.

Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.

Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.

Allow more following distance - three or four seconds - when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

Never drive while distracted.