VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — With unseasonably warm temperatures this February, drivers may notice more motorcyclists on the road.
Virginia DMV is spreading the word about a February Motorcycle Safety Campaign from February 19 to March 4. It states that the ongoing support of our traffic safety partners is needed as we continue to educate the motorcycle community on the importance of motorcycle training, slowing down, and alertness when riding on non-interstate roads.
When looking at fatal motorcycle crashes, there are three factors that stand out, according to the DMV: lack of training, speeding, and non-interstate roadways.
Sgt. Brian Ricardo with Virginia Beach Police Department agrees that one major factor they see with motorcycle accidents is motorcyclists riding out of their capabilities. For example, new riders taking country roads with sharp turns or driving during rush hour. He also says excessive speed is a common element. In fact, Sgt Ricardo told News 3 they just worked a fatal crash last week where speeding was involved.
“It’s unfortunate for everybody. It’s unfortunate for the motorcyclist who was killed. It’s unfortunate for the motorcyclist’s family that was involved, and it’s unfortunate for that driver that just happened to be turning in front of that motorcycle,” Sgt Ricardo stated.
He added another piece of advice for riders.
“Pay attention, look where you’re going, especially when you’re coming into intersections. And especially when people are turning left or turning right in front of you. That’s when we see a big percentage of our crashes.”
The chart below shows that the number of crashes in 2022 increased in the warmer months, and the number of fatalities peaked in June.
For more information about getting a motorcycle license and the recommended gear, click here.
Classes are offered throughout Hampton Roads. For a list of some locations, click here.
