Highway Patrol Warns Of Motorcycle Danger

ZANESVILLE, Ohio-Spring brings with it a resurgence in motorcycle riders across the state of Ohio. 

The Zanesville branch of the State Highway Patrol wants motorists to know the proper safety measures motorists should be taking. Lieutenant Russell Pasqualetti warns motorcyclists to wear proper protective equipment. 

“People in cars and trucks are highly protected, they have a much lower chance of injury or death than somebody on a motorcycle. Wear your helmet, wear your riding vest, long pants, gloves, proper footwear. That will protect you greatly in a crash. We’ve all seen the riders go down the road in a pair of flip flops, short pants, t-shirt and no helmet. We know that’s not going to have a good outcome when they crash.”, Pasqualetti told reporters.

Motorists should be mindful of smaller motorcycles when changing lanes or merging with traffic. Motorcyclists are offered a number of safety classes that Pasqualetti thinks should be taken each year. 

“They need to be trained. They’re coming out of winter too, they’re kind of rusty. Take a rider’s safety course. They have them for beginners, intermediate, advanced, returning drivers. Take one of those courses and improve your skills. Learn how to control the bike a little bit better. With that you earn your motorcycle endorsement so you’re legal to be on the road. A properly licensed and endorsed rider is much less likely to crash.”, Pasqualetti continued.

Safety course registrations can be found on the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Website.