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    PennDOT and Safety Partners Attend ‘Rally On Main’ in Washington County to Promote Motorcycle Safety

    August 26, 2023

    ​Uniontown, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and The Highway Safety Network attended "Rally On Main" in Washington County today. PennDOT representatives were available to answer questions, share safe riding tips, and distribute motorcycle safety resources.  

    During the event, PennDOT shared information on the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) and how riders can take advantage of the recently revamped program's motorcycle training courses tailored for all skill levels.  

    In 2022, there were 3,328 crashes involving a motorcyclist, resulting in 217 fatalities statewide. Though motorcyclist fatalities decreased slightly in 2022, they reached a 10-year high in 2020, increasing further in 2021 to 226. Last year's 217 fatalities ties 2020 for the second highest number in more than 10 years. To combat these numbers, motorists and motorcyclists must work together to keep each other safe.  

    PennDOT offers these safety tips for motorists sharing the road with motorcycles:  

    • Look out for motorcyclists – be aware that motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see.

    • Allow more following distance – leave at least four seconds when following a motorcycle.

    • Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position. Don't be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling, and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed. Many times, it is difficult for motorists to estimate the speed of a motorcycle.

    • Respect a motorcycle as a full-size vehicle with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width as the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions. Absolutely DO NOT share the lane with a motorcyclist.  

    For more information on motorcycle safety, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.  

    Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.  

    511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.  

    Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties at PennDOT District 12.  

    Information about infrastructure in District 12, including completed work and significant projects, is available at District 12 Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at PennDOT Projects.  

    Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.

     Contact:  Melissa Maczko, 724-439-7135 or mmaczko@pa.gov

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