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| * Motorcycle Safety at Purdue |
August 12, 2008
Web site charts safe course for motorcyclists, other motorists
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As higher gas prices drive an increase in motorcycle use, motorcyclists and other motorists need to be thinking and talking about safety, says a Purdue University health communication professor."A football player or race car driver would not step onto the field or track without proper gear, and motorcyclists need to think about how they can protect themselves as well – from head to toe," says Marifran Mattson, an associate professor of health communication who studies health campaigns and was injured in a 2004 motorcycle accident.
Motorcyclists can find information about proper gear, bike maintenance and road safety online, at https://www.ItInvolvesYou.com, the Web site for the Motorcycle Safety at Purdue campaign, that Mattson oversees. The Web site also has information for drivers of cars and trucks, as well as how family and friends of motorcyclists can talk with loved ones about motorcycle safety.
"Other drivers need to realize that more motorcycles, as well as mopeds and scooters, are on the road today," Mattson says. "Start by making sure you are giving motorcyclists enough space. A motorcycle always deserves a full lane even though it may look like they don't need it. Keep this in mind when switching lanes.
"Also, make sure you are not distracted by a cell phone or radio while driving. Motorcycles are harder to see, and their speed is difficult to judge, so if you are distracted you are less likely to check for and see motorcylists, and react accordingly."
Family and friends also can share safety information with motorcyclists they know.
"This can be a controversial topic, so it's best to approach motorcycle safety in a non-threatening way," Mattson says. "Examples of conversation starters are when you see a motorcyclist on TV or by looking at stylish safety gear. The idea is keep the topic light while emphasizing safety."
Other ideas for discussing safety are on the campaign Web site.
Mattson testified in June at the Indiana Motorcycle Safety Assessment, which was administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2006 more than 4,800 motorcyclists died on the road and 88,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu
Source: Marifran Mattson, (765) 494-7596, mmattson@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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