April 2004

Colonel Paul McClellan
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

As warm weather draws motorists out onto Ohio’s highways, motorists should be aware of seasonal vehicles traveling with additional equipment. Motorcycles, boat, travel, and utility trailers all call for specific vehicle requirements and additional safety measures.

Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road, but they require the same amount of safety on Ohio’s roadways. In Ohio last year, there were 3,045 crashes involving motorcycles that resulted in 136 deaths.

Here are some tips to keep you safe while riding motorcycles this spring and summer:

• Remember Ohio Law - Ohio law states that no one under the age of 18 can operate a motorcycle or be a passenger on a motorcycle unless they are wearing a helmet.
  
• Ride Bright - Choose light colored clothing or wear a reflective vest to make yourself visible to others. Always remember to wear safety glasses or other protective eye wear whether you’re the driver or a passenger.
  
• Never Assume the Right of Way – Always consider how vulnerable you are on a motorcycle. Be especially careful of vehicles turning left in front of you and crossing at intersections. One-third of motorcycle-vehicle crashes occur in this manner.
  
• Sharing Lanes - Never ride more than two abreast in a lane and never share a lane with a vehicle other than a motorcycle. Position your motorcycle to the left side of your lane to discourage other motorists from encroaching. Always leave yourself an escape route.
  
• Communicate with Other Drivers – Flash your lights or sound your horn to alert other motorists of your presence. Always use your turn signals to communicate your intentions.

To ride safely, you must understand the limits of your abilities, the capabilities of your motorcycle, and the environment in which you are riding. For more information on free motorcycle training for riders, call Motorcycle Ohio at 1-800-83-RIDER or visit their Web site at www.motorcycle.ohio.gov.

Travel trailers may be considered an attachment, but boat, travel, and utility trailers are an extension of the vehicle you are driving and are commonly purchased and seen on Ohio’s roadways during the summer months.

The Patrol’s Licensing and Commercial Standards Section offers a free brochure or safety tips and Ohio Laws to drivers who plan to operate a trailer in the state of Ohio. Here are some tips to travel safely with your trailer:

• Sway Control – The safety factor in towing trailers can be increased considerably with the installation of a well-designed sway control device. This equipment helps to reduce trailer sway and aids in preventing such sway from throwing the vehicle out of control.
  
• Speed Limits – Drivers operating vehicles with towing trailers must adhere to the same speed limits as regular passenger cars. Consideration should be given to stopping distance due to added weight.
  
• Passing and Turning – Give careful consideration to the added length of the trailer behind your vehicle in passing and turning movements. Make sure you have ample space and use turn signals.
  
• Passenger Safety – Ohio Law prohibits any occupants in a trailer or manufactured mobile home while it is being towed on a street or highway.

For additional information regarding specific equipment, contact your nearest Patrol Post or the Patrol’s Licensing and Commercial Standards Section at 614-466-3682.

As Ohio roadways fill with summer travelers, troopers will also be vigilant on the roadways enforcing safety belt use and targeting impaired drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Troopers have a zero tolerance policy on safety belt violations. Any driver who has an enforcement contact with the Patrol and is not wearing a safety belt will be issued a citation.

It’s about safety.