Make way for Motorcyclists

Photo by: Will Gentry

In an attempt to raise safety awareness in the wake of increased accidents, “Watch for Motorcycles” signs have been posted along the westbound lanes of Northeast Expressway east of Belle Isle Boulevard, one of the worst intersections for wrecks. Allstate Insurance Company donated the diamond-shaped yellow signs.

According to the data provided by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, “There have been 206 accidents at the intersection in the three-year period. The intersection of eastbound Interstate 240 and eastbound Interstate 35 Service Road had 288 wrecks in the past three years.”

The majority of the accidents on Northeast Expressway involved both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The size and weight differences between motorcycles and all other vehicles tends to make these accidents more deadly.

“If I hit a car, I am not going to hurt any of the car’s passengers,” senior Wesley Aspey said. “Probably one of the reasons why motorcycle insurance is less is because in some ways a motorcycle is a much safer ride because I am less likely to hurt other people, but I am more likely to hurt myself.”

Aspey, who has been riding motorcycles since his sophomore year of college, noticed that while on the road people act as if motorcycles are invisible.

“One guy told me that whenever you are on a motorcycle on the road you have to imagine that everybody on the road either does not see you or is trying to hit you,” Aspey said. “It keeps you on your toes when you ride.”

Prevention against accidents begins with awareness.

“Accidents don’t affect where I ride,” senior Colby Woods said. “The statistics are awful on paper, but the point of the matter is you can get into an accident anywhere. What you can do is be aware. We like to say the most common cause of accidents is cars, but really it’s yourself.”

Aspey stated that motorcyclists and motorists should watch out and be aware of each other.

“As far as safety goes, whenever you are on the road you should always be aware that there could be motorcycles around you,” Aspey said. “To be a good motorcycle rider, you are never supposed to feel safe. It keeps us cautious and always aware of our surroundings.”

Chief of Campus Police John Matlock said obeying road rules could prevent damage of property and to self and others.

“Students and faculty should obey the speed limits,” Matlock said. “The rules on Benson Road are no different than the rules on campus.”

Matlock said members of Oklahoma Christian students and faculty have usually done a great job watching out for each other while on the road.

“I would say that our students are very aware of their surroundings,” Matlock said. “That does not mean that people never speed, but generally people are watching out for each other, especially now that we have a running trail. I think people are more aware because they know runners could be crossing.”

Wearing the proper riding gear of a helmet, gloves and jeans could save a motorcyclist’s life.

“Before I ride, I put on my leather one-piece that I have, but I don’t wear that nearly as much because of the heat,” Woods said. “I normally wear mesh – a textile jacket. It makes breathing a little easier, though not as safe as leather.”

Helmets can prevent the loss of life; some motorcyclists prefer to go without helmets because of the heat that accumulates inside. Woods recommended taking breaks during long rides.

“The leather one-piece suits can be miserable if it is over 100 degrees outside, which requires you to take breaks from the heat,” Woods said. “Motorcycles also have smaller gas tanks, which means more stops for gas. You have to take breaks because it is so hot and more tiring.”

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