Deadly motorcycle crashes on the rise in past couple of weeks: How to stay safe on the roads

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Motorcycle safety continues to be a growing concern, after two crashes over the past couple of weeks, two deadly. 2

“Stay safe, everybody gotta stay safe out here,” said Daejon Marsh of Holyoke.

Motorists are on high alert after several motorcycle crashes during Labor Day. Two of them were deadly, happening within days of each other in the communities of Chicopee and Hadley.

“I feel like a lot of people don’t slow down, they don’t follow the speed limit, you know one thing happens and it turns out into another situation,” said Madeline Rivera of Holyoke.

There were 39 motorcycle accidental deaths reported so far this year, and this summer were 27 deaths. Alcohol and drugs contribute to 40 percent of most motorcycle crashes. Bad driving behaviors, like speeding and aggressive driving, continue to be a leading cause of deadly crashes here in the state. Keeping an eye out for motorcyclists out on the roads can help bring these numbers down.

“Keep some space between you and them because when someone is riding a motorcycle they might have to slow down suddenly, they might have to swerve to avoid a pothole and you need to give them the room to do that,” said AAA Northeast spokesperson, Mark Schieldrop.

Be sure to check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and yield to any motorcycles in your path.

The most common cause of motorcycle crashes is crossing traffic or turning left, so be sure to look twice. And If you’re going to ride, be prepared, and don’t blend in. Keep yourself visible with visibility vests, wearing a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, armored jackets, and pants, can also your increase your chances of survival in the event of a crash.

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