Share the road: May is Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May is Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and more and more, Americans see walking, running and bicycling as a cost effective, healthy and convenient way to travel. Recognizing this, some communities have become more bicycle and pedestrian friendly by adding bicycle lanes and trails to their infrastructure.  However, this is not possible in every community, making it necessary for motorists and cyclists to share the road.  

With the arrival of warmer weather, here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for drivers to help keep everyone as safe as possible on the roads.

1. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to the road as drivers.

2. Treat bicyclists as you would other drivers and be as aware of them in traffic as you are of vehicles.

3. Pass bicyclists as you would vehicles – pass on the left and only when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane.  Give them room and don’t pass too closely. Kansas law requires motorists to give bicyclists three feet of space at all times. 

4. Drive defensively. Check your blind spots for bicyclists and pay special attention at stop signs and cross walks.  Before making a right-hand turn, make sure a bicyclist isn’t approaching from the right rear of your vehicle.  Look left, then right and left again. Remember to check behind you as well. 

In addition to recreational bicyclists, Kansas welcomes several cycling events each year including the Great TransAmerica Race, Race Across America, Bike Across Kansas, The Dirty Kanza and other events which will bring hundreds of local, national and international riders to our cities and towns this summer.  

Remember to ditch the distractions and share the road.

Be aware of the no-zone: Share the road with semi trucks

Semi-trucks have become a daily presence on our nation’s roadways. We’re on the road with them on our commutes and vacations, we see them on work-related trips and briefer jaunts through the city. But how good is the passenger vehicle crowd at sharing the state highway or interstate with the big rigs that haul our goods?

There’s always room for improvement, here are a few tips from the professional driver’s point of view.

All trucks have ‘no zones’ on the sides and directly in front and back where another vehicle cannot be seen. A smaller vehicle lingering in the passing lane beside a semi is in a risky position and needs to pass as swiftly as possible. Did you know that a truck driver can see almost nothing on the right side of his/her vehicle? DO NOT PASS A SEMI ON THE RIGHT.

If you’ve just passed a semi don’t slow down - keep moving ahead. And if you prefer to remain behind the truck, don’t tailgate in the no-zone. Give the semi driver room to see you and enough space to maneuver.

When merging onto a highway or interstate, it’s usually best to pull in behind the semi. After building up to the appropriate speed, semi drivers can’t slow down quickly. Plus, if a smaller vehicle zips in front, it probably won’t be visible to the semi driver. Unless there is a large space between you and the front of the truck, merge behind and wait until it’s safe to pass.

Don’t brake suddenly in the blind spot in front of the truck. The stopping distance for a fully loaded tractor-trailer going 60 mph on dry pavement is approximately 335 feet, just over the length of a football field. Consider the reasonable stopping distance between your vehicle and the truck before starting to brake.

Is a semi stopped by the side of the road? If possible, move over just as you would for stopped emergency and law enforcement vehicles.

Normal passenger vehicle folks, what are you doing out there? Are you focusing on driving? Or are you texting, shaving, putting on your make-up, having an animated phone chat with your BFF or reading the latest best-selling novel? (Trust us — crazy driving behaviors exist.) Some of these behaviors are annoying and they are all dangerous. So be safe. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the roadway.

Professional drivers are partners on the road. They work long hours driving and they also must scope out designated parking spots, so they can pull in and sleep. Like us, they want to do their jobs well and return home safely to their families.

Thanks to all professional drivers, who boost our economy as they transport the products upon which we depend every day.

Harvest time: Share the road with farmers

Hot, windy days are quickly turning Kansas wheat fields into amber waves of grain. With the harvest season approaching, and even underway in some parts of the state, more farm equipment and trucks will be taking to the roadways.

KDOT and the Kansas Highway Patrol offer the following tips to help you travel safely around farm equipment this harvest season:

Slow down: Farm equipment moves slower than you and typically doesn’t exceed speeds of 15-25 mph. Use the orange triangles on the back of farm machinery as a cue to reduce your speed.

Share the road: Tractors, trucks and combines take up more lane space than a normal vehicle. Do not pass unless you can clearly see ahead of both your vehicle and the machine you are passing. Farmers may not always be able to move over for you to pass, so remember to be patient!

Watch for turns: Be aware of farm equipment pulling on to roads from fields and vice versa. Also, farm equipment pulling to the right side of the road may not always be turning. Larger pieces of equipment require wide left turns, so allow plenty of room and time for them to turn.

Don’t assume: Most farmers regularly check for vehicles around them, but don’t assume they know you are there. Farm equipment can be quite loud, hindering the driver’s ability to hear your vehicle.

Stay alert: Expect heavy truck traffic near grain elevators and co-ops. Grain trucks may be stopped on the road while waiting to unload grain. Consider using an alternate route away from elevators.

See tracks, think train: Grain goes to market by train as well as truck! Be watchful when approaching railroad crossings.

As always, make sure you and your passengers are buckled up every trip, every time.

Check out this video for more safety tips! 

Motorcycle Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and today we are taking a trip back in time to a blog written in 2010 by Phyllis Marotta, who works in our Traffic Safety Office.

It's May...and that means Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! It's been so cool & rainy around Topeka until this past weekend that I haven't seen as many bikers out as usual. However, with warmer temps the past few days, I saw lots of them hitting the roads.

Unfortunately, "hitting the roads" can mean something much more tragic to motorcyclists than the phrase means to the rest of the motoring public. This past month, I've had two acquaintances involved in crashes. Thankfully, neither of them was seriously injured, but both crashes served as a reminder to me of how precious life is...and how quickly a relaxing ride on a sunny day COULD have turned tragic.

The first of the crashes involved a good friend, an experienced rider who was wearing his helmet, leather jacket, jeans & boots. He pulled out in front of a pickup that had just turned left. In this case, my friend made the error of not looking twice before pulling out. Neither vehicle was going very fast, but the pickup hit the bike in the saddle bag area, pitching the bags, the seat, and my friend to the pavement. Thankfully, the helmet served its purpose - although the bill is now crumpled, my friend's forehead was not! And, although he is still pretty stiff & sore, he had no broken bones or road rash from hitting the pavement, thanks to the protective clothing.

The second crash happened just last Friday, involving a 28-year-old who graduated high school with my son.  In this crash, a car pulled out from a stop sign on a busy highway without yielding to the motorcyclist.  Although I don't have all the details from that crash, I have heard that the young man hit the car, flew off the bike, and after taking a bounce on the pavement, was able to run to the ditch to avoid oncoming traffic.  Again, thankfully, this young rider's injuries were not severe.

Both of these incidents could have been avoided altogether if someone had taken that second look before pulling out.  Please...look twice, save a life! 

#KDOTTUESDAYS: Sharing the road with Semi-Trucks

With more  than 2 million semis on the road every day, it is easy for other drivers to take the semi and the driver for granted.  However, by understanding the challenges that semis and their drivers face, others on the road can drive more defensively and possibly avoid a serious collision.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are nearly 450,000 collisions, approximately 140,000 people are seriously injured and at least 5,000 motorists die as a result of a crash involving a semi or large truck in the U.S. each year.

Because a commercial semi can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and most passenger vehicles weigh 3,000 pounds or less, collisions involving commercial trucks are often the most damaging and dangerous on the roads.  Many drivers believe that because the truck is bigger, the truck is at fault.  However, statistics show that 72 percent of crashes involving semis are the fault of the other vehicle. 

Drivers can minimize the risk of a collision involving a semi by better understanding these vehicles, the challenges semi drivers face and by driving defensively.

Semis have blind spots just like passenger vehicles, but because semis are taller and longer, they have twice as many blind spots. To limit the possibility of a crash, drivers should avoid the blind spot or “no zones,” when sharing the road with semis.

The passenger side of a semi has a much larger blind spot than the driver side. As a result, drivers should pass on the left side of the semi whenever possible and not drive in the blind spot on either side unless passing.  In addition, drivers should allow extra room before cutting back in after passing, to avoid the front blind spot.

Because semis are much larger and heavier than a passenger vehicle it is much more difficult to maneuver, especially in tight situations where quick movements or lane changes are necessary. Their size also makes it impossible to come to a sudden stop. It can take a semi traveling 60 miles per hour almost the length of three football fields to come to a complete stop.  Passenger vehicles should always give the semi plenty of room and respect the semi’s space.

Finally, many trucking companies require speed limiters which limit the top speed at which the semi can travel.  This means the semi may not be able to maintain the same pace as the surrounding traffic.  Drivers should be patient and move around the semi when it is safe to do so.

Class is in session: Back to school safety tips

For many students across Kansas, the start of the school year is approaching. Motorists are encouraged to remember that students will soon be walking or biking to and from school, as well as entering or exiting buses and vehicles. Give yourself extra travel time and pay attention to help improve safety for everyone.

According to the National Safety Council, more children are hit by cars near schools than any other location. If you are dropping your child off at school, make sure you understand your school’s drop off and pick-up procedure.

When sharing the road with young pedestrians, it is important to keep the following in mind:

• No matter where the pedestrians may be, always use extreme caution. Young students may not understand all the traffic laws and it’s up to motorists to avoid hitting them.
• If a vehicle is stopped for pedestrians, don’t pass.
• Use your eyes, and look out for children who may be playing in playgrounds, parks and residential areas.
• When flashers are blinking in a school zone, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the intersection or crosswalk.
• Don’t block crosswalks when stopped at a red light or preparing to turn. Forcing pedestrians to go around you is dangerous and puts them in the path of oncoming traffic.

Bicycling is one of the most popular ways that children travel to school. On certain roads, most bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles. Unfortunately, children riding bikes can be unpredictable and young bicyclists may not understand all the laws surrounding traffic safety. 

Because bikes are smaller than a normal vehicle, the following should be considered:

• When passing a bicyclist, do so slowly and leave about 3 feet between the bicyclist and your vehicle.
• Wait for riders coming from the opposite direction to pass before you turn left.
• If you are turning right and a bicyclist is behind you, it better to let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before you finish making your turn.
• Always use your blinkers to communicate with all forms of vehicles, especially bicyclists.
• Young bikers can turn in front of cars with little to no warning and they may not be paying attention. Always stay alert.
• When traveling in school zones, expect the unexpected. Check for bikes coming from behind parked cars and drive ways.

Some children rely on the school bus for transportation. If you find yourself behind a school bus, allow for greater distance between yourself and the larger vehicle. Doing so will give you more time to stop.

It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped and waiting for children to board or depart the vehicle. With that in mind, there are more things to remember when sharing the road with a school bus:

• Stop far enough away from a school bus to allow the children to enter or depart safely. A 10-foot area around the bus can be the most dangerous for children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and stop arm is extending traffic MUST stop.
• Be alert! Children can be unpredictable.

Parents or guardians of children should try to teach students ways they can improve safety during the school year and any time they need to interact with vehicles.

We wish all students who are starting their new school year the best of luck! And remember to always look left, then right and left again before crossing the street.

Sharing the road: It’s our responsibility

Earlier this month we shared that Gov. Sam Brownback signed a proclamation declaring that the month of May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Sharing the road is all drivers’ responsibility. Motorists are required to share the road with all types of vehicles, from the small 10-speed bicycle to the large 18-wheeler semi-trucks.  Today we will discuss how to share the road with motorcycles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, motorcycles have the same rights to the road as any other vehicle. Driving safely in the company of motorcycles does require extra caution.

Due to their size, motorcycles can be more difficult to see. This can make it difficult to judge their distance and speed. Giving an extra three to four seconds while following behind these vehicles is the best way to give them time to maneuver or stop if an emergency were to arise. Keep in mind that since motorcycles are smaller than cars or trucks, they come to a full stop much more quickly than other vehicles.

Despite the smaller size of motorcycles, a full lane width is still required when traveling around them. Just because it may appear that there is a great deal of extra space doesn’t mean that the lane can be safely shared.

Motorcycles may be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Check all mirrors and always look twice before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. Motorcyclists are encouraged to be safe and be seen by wearing bright colors and a helmet to avoid head injuries.

One of the best ways to avoid a tragedy is though communication. Always signal what you intend to do before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This will signal to the motorcyclist what to expect so they can adjust accordingly.

Remember: Getting behind the wheel of any vehicle requires a sense of responsibility, and it is up to all of us to share the road.  

Common Courtesy Day: Reminders for the road

Does this scene sound familiar?

It’s rush hour. The stop and go traffic is exhausting and you may feel your blood begin to boil when an impatient driver cuts you off.  Your first reaction may be to lay on the horn angrily and yell at the driver in front of you.

Road rage is a very real behavior that has a way of snowballing out of control. Today is National Common Courtesy Day, and KDOT would like to provide you with some tips that will help you share the road with others. Hopefully, these tips will allow you to take moment and breathe when stressful situations occur

Don’t tailgate: While driving, it is easy to grow impatient and provide “hints” to drivers in front of us that they are going too slow. Don’t bully them into going faster.  If they have to brake suddenly, you could crash into them. Try to follow the three-second rule. Pick an object on the road, such as a post or a sign. When the car in front of you passes that object start counting, if you reach that object before you count to three, you are following too close.
  

Use your turn signal: In any relationship, communication is important. When you are on the road you are sharing your time and space with others, even if it’s only for a few seconds. It is important to indicate your intentions. Will you be turning at the next street? Do you need to exit? Your turn signal is a valuable communication device and will help other drivers know what you plan to do next.

Let others merge:   Small, kind gestures can make a world of difference in the lives of the people around you. Sometimes that can be as easy as acknowledging that someone needs to merge into your lane and allowing them time and space to do so safely. This could help you avoid a car crash.

Be patient/Don’t be a hazard: Driving isn’t a video game. Weaving in and out of traffic is unsafe. Try to go with the flow of traffic and follow the speed limit. Likewise, try to keep up with the speed limit so you don’t become a roadblock for other drivers.

Don’t blind other drivers:  When traveling at night it is always important to use your headlights. Sometimes the situation does require you to use your high beams to see farther away. But when you see another driver approaching you should switch them to your normal setting to avoid temporarily blinding them. They’ll appreciate you for it.

Provide space and time for bikers and pedestrians:  Pedestrians who use crosswalks need time to get across the street safely.  Be aware of their position and don’t move forward until they are safely out of your vehicle’s range of movement.

Focus on driving: Distracted driving can put you and others at risk. Put the phone away, have your music selected before you drive and remember that your car is not a dressing room. 

Many of these tips are common sense but in our busy, fast-paced world it is easy to be focused on what we need instead of the needs of others.

Today and every day, as you drive, keep in mind that those who you share the road with could be dealing with a lot of stress and simply being a courteous driver could help them more than you know.

Cyclists will be on the losing end

By Don Snyder

Don and his wife, Michelle

     I have been an avid bicycle rider most of my life, riding quite a lot when I was much younger, and then taking the sport back up after a long hiatus about 11 years ago. I thoroughly enjoy the sport, with the feeling of the open air and getting to see a lot of territory at a slower pace than what you can experience driving down the road in an automobile. During the past eight years, my cycling experiences have included participating in the annual “Biking Across Kansas” (BAK) ride in early June.  This is a wonderful way to see the scenery in our great state and to get together with friends you meet every year on the ride, plus get great exercise to keep fit.
     In early May of 2014, I was in the process of training to get ready for the BAK ride. The BAK route is different every year, getting to see a new part of the state and stop at new towns each night. The 2014 route was going to be special, riding from the very southwest corner of the state to the very northeast corner, and it was the 40^th anniversary of the start of the BAK rides.  Needless to say, I was eagerly anticipating the ride that year!
     I do quite a bit of riding late in the evening due to a normal 8-5 work schedule, and because the temperatures are more moderate for riding late in the day. Because I often ride after dark, out on public roads, I have very good lights on my bike to make me more visible to car traffic. My wife and I were out riding after dark on a Friday evening four weeks to the day before the BAK ride was set to begin, riding on South Rock Road adjacent to McConnell AFB in southeast Wichita. 
     I do not recall exactly what happened next, as I ended up in the hospital for a week recovering from my injuries, but I was told later that we were struck from behind by a motorist who drifted to the side of the road and hit us. I was riding behind my wife and was struck first, and we are unsure if the impact launched me into my wife or if the car struck her also. The motorists said she was retrieving her phone from her child sitting in the back seat. Whatever actually happened, the motorist was not paying attention to where she was driving.
     Fortunately, I did not suffer any broken bones that immobilized me, even though I ended up going to the hospital. I did suffer from a concussion severe enough that I was not aware of where I was for three to four days, various cuts and bruises, and was very sore and stiff for a month after the accident. I also had nerve damage in my right arm that made my hand and fingers numb, that eventually had to be operated on to relocate a nerve that had been pinched. My wife has also had a number of issues with damage to her shoulder and knee that required surgery.
     We as bicyclists are aware of the potential for accidents when we ride, and try to watch out for each other when we ride in groups, watching for traffic coming up from behind. But a rider cannot watch behind themselves 100% of the time. Unfortunately we have to accept the fact that not all drivers are as attentive as they should be and that accidents do happen. 
    Since the time of my accident, I have been aware of several other accidents that have happened where the cyclist who was hit died of their injuries. This is a sad fact that someone who was out enjoying their favorite sporting event and staying fit was struck and injured or killed by an inattentive motorist. I was especially fortunate and blessed that my injuries were not more severe, and was able to return to cycling about six weeks after my accident. I have even been able to resume by BAK rides for the past two years, but mostly have no lingering effects from the accident.
     As you are out driving in your automobiles, please be aware that cyclists may be out on the same roads you are traveling on. Please be courteous and respectful of them and encourage your friends and families to do the same. Cyclists will be on the losing end of a car/bicycle accident, and we want to return home to our families just like highway workers in a work zone want to.


Don Snyder is the Wichita Metro Engineer for KDOT

To read more stories about the importance of safety check out our Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day blog: http://ksdotblog.blogspot.com/