The holidays are dangerous for motorcyclists

The holidays are a time for celebration for many, but it is also a time for even greater vigilance. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 5,000 motorcyclists died and 84,000 injured on the road in 2019, the most recent year with final data. While bikers can make mistakes, the holidays tend to be a particularly dangerous time of year for motorists in general. Reasons to be more careful Many Californians are lucky enough to ride their bikes year-round, which means the holiday season. It means there are certain inherent dangers in riding this time of year: Driving under the influence: Holiday parties will return in 2021, which means that more people will drive under the influence. It can lead to erratic driving, reckless decisions, driver error, and ultimately an increased number of crashes. Longer nights: Bikes are difficult for some to see under the best of conditions, but early darkness and sunsets during commutes can make it hard to see bikes, recognize them as bikes (and not cars), and other factors make the roads more dangerous. Increased stress: These are stressful times for many, but the year-end can involve additional stressors. These include deadlines at work, family demands, and trying to do too much in a finite period. These issues can lead to heightened emotions in the driver and speeding, which is a dangerous combination. Weather: Snow and ice are not an issue here, but the winter months can involve rain or fog, which is very problematic for riders. Arrive alive Some do not like the phrase “defensive driving,” so maybe think of it as a heightened awareness while riding. Whatever a rider calls it, it should be a strategy to address the above challenges. Planning for them can make a difference.