Speak Up: How do we make the roads safer for motorcyclists?
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A reported increase in motorcycle fatalities in Delaware in 2020 and 2021, said to be the fourth-highest rise nationwide, is raising concern. A record 24 motorcyclists died on state roads in 2021, 22 perished in 2022, and there have been eight reported deaths so far this year. Delaware is ranked 11th in the nation in motorcycle fatalities, with 8.2 per 10,000 population. What should the state do to lessen the number of motorcycle deaths? If you ride, what precautions do you take to safely share the road? As a driver, how do you make the roads safer for everyone?
- As a rider, I’m always on the lookout. I’m watching the cars around me and up ahead of me to see if they could be a danger to me. Stay out of blind spots. I can usually tell when a driver is on their phone because their car is drifting into my lane. I never assume the car is going to do the right thing. — Stan Sipple
- All drivers and riders must be conscientious of each other. Cars must look out, and motorcycles must also slow down. Don’t make a third lane. Being five cars ahead of the pack is never worth the possibility of an accident. People must change and be respectful of each other while driving. — Denise Sloboda Deskiewicz
- First off: What was the reason of each death — as in, who was at fault? Did they have a helmet on? Would that have been a factor? Was speeding part of the reason? Ask a load of questions when you look at all the main reasons in the accident reports. You have your own answers. Not blaming motorcyclists or vehicles. — Jeff Grzeszczak
- Can’t legislate things like common sense and watching how someone drives or operates a motorcycle. — Delmarva German Shepherd Dog Club
- Put down the phones! — Bob Hice
- This one is easy: Make it a requirement to wear a helmet on your head and not just carry it on the bike. — Dino Myers
