Just a reminder….
MassDOT and the Mass. RMV have designated May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. According to MassDOT almost 5,000 motorcyclists lost their lives in 2015, an increase of more than 8% since the previous year.
MAPFRE provides Motorcycle Safety Tips
In a guest blog post on the MassDOT blog, Patrick McDonald, CPCU, AIM, AIS, Executive Vice President Business & Clients, MAPFRE Insurance provides the following tips in anticipation of the Memorial Day weekend. Agency Checklists has shared them here with you so that agents can share them with your insureds
Motorcyclists are often much harder to see than cars due to their smaller size, in addition to the fact that drivers tend to focus more on the larger vehicles around them. Everyone can do their part to keep the road safer for motorcyclists by practicing safe driving habits. Some examples are:
- When following motorcyclists, maintain at least a four second following distance, or more, especially during inclement weather.
- Before making a left turn or leaving a traffic lane, be attentive to motorcyclists by carefully looking to the front and sides of your vehicle.
- Never share a lane with a motorcycle; they have the right to use a full traffic lane and also need space to react to potential hazards.
As always, in the event that you do run into trouble while traveling, remember the Highway Assistance Patrol, sponsored by MAPFRE Insurance, is on patrol helping broken down vehicles or other motorists in need of assistance.
Have a safe and fun Memorial Day Weekend!
–Patrick McDonald, CPCU, AIM, AIS, Executive Vice President Business & Clients, MAPFRE Insurance
