May 18, 2006
May Is Both National Boating Safety and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Recreational boats and motorcycles both are the focus of Safety Awareness Month campaigns during May. While they may seem to be unrelated, there are a number of similarities shared by boats and motorcycles when it comes to safety issues. Unfortunately for motorcyclists, the same cannot be said for safety statistics: boating fatalities continue to decrease while motorcycle fatalities remain on the rise.
The focal point of choosing May as a time to conduct both safety awareness campaigns comes with the season. Seasonal temperatures are on the rise and with longer days, motorcyclists and boaters both become more active. Motorcyclists are encouraged to adopt safe riding habits that include getting motorcycle rider training education, always wearing a helmet, keeping a proper lookout, and avoiding alcohol consumption while riding. Boaters are similarly encouraged to adopt safe boating habits that include taking a boater safety education class, always wearing a life jacket while boating, keeping a proper lookout, and avoiding alcohol consumption while boating.
The majority of boating-related accidents and motorcycle accidents occur to operators who do not have the proper training or who lack sufficient experience. The majority of boating-related deaths and motorcycle deaths occur to operators and passengers who fail to wear a life jacket or a motorcycle helmet. About one-third of all boating-related fatality accidents and motorcycle fatalities are alcohol-related.
Boaters and motorcycle riders do not wear passenger restraint systems. They each share an open waterway or roadway with an increasing number of participants. Some waterways can become heavily congested as do some roadways. Boaters and motorcyclists are largely left exposed to all types of weather. Boating and motorcycling are fun and enjoyable activities that encourage a special bonding with others who share a similar passion.
While these special awareness campaigns are aimed at getting a message out to boating and motorcycling participants, the messaging is for all to embrace. Motorists have to be aware they must share the road with motorcyclists and boaters need to be aware they share the waterways with many different types of boaters.
Those of us who are known to responsibly enjoy recreational boating and motorcycling appreciate the many combined efforts on the local, state, regional and national levels to emphasize safety. Our best method to increase the effectiveness of such awareness campaigns is to encourage others to enjoy these forms of recreation in a safe and responsible manner as well. |