Motorcyclists Increase, Drivers to Take Precautions on the Road

With increasing numbers of motorcyclists in Tennessee, drivers should take precautions on the road, Captain Bobby Anderson said.

Anderson works for the Cookeville Police Department.

In 2017, Tennessee had over 165 thousand registered motorcycles.

Anderson said drivers need to share the road with motorcycles.

“Well, you want to be respectful and courteous and share the road with the motorcyclists. Use your tune signals when you change lanes or merge into traffic. Always check your mirrors and blind spots,” Anderson said. “And be aware of motorcycles making sudden movements. They have to avoid roadway hazards in which maybe vehicles don’t have to, such as potholes or debris in the roadway. And also be aware and keep a safe distance. Don’t follow too close.”

Motorcyclists should respect other vehicles on the road as well, Anderson said.

“Well, they should be aware that they are a small vehicle. So, again, maintain your distance, signal early, make sure the roadway is clear,” Anderson said. “And place yourself in the lane where you are visible. Wear bright colored clothing, reflective clothing, things such as that.”

In preliminary data, the nation saw 2,988 crashes involving a motorcycle last year.

“Well, between 2013 and 2017, Putnam County saw an average of forty-two crashes per a year involving motorcycles, Statewide there was a hundred and thirty-four motorcycle fatalities that occurred in 2017, and those were ages between 21 and 44.”

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month promotes safe driving techniques and education through local police departments.

Anderson said the Cookeville Police Department uses this month the educate by using social media.

“Well what we are doing now and that is letting the public know, ‘Hey let’s be aware of the motorcycles, you are going to see more motorcycles out there,” Anderson said. “Public education, we have been pushing things out on our Facebook page and along with our Twitter page. Just trying to make the public aware that we want everybody to enjoy the roads but be safe when they do it.”

For more information on motorcycle awareness, visit the Cookeville Police Department’s Facebook and Twitter page.