“Roll With the Proper Gear” to Improve Motorcycle Safety

Spring is almost here and that means more riders will be on the roads on their motorcycles. OWL VFD responds to many motorcycle accidents in our community. We are pleased to support the “Roll With the Proper  Gear” campaign, brought to you by Prince William County Police Department, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. To be safe, riders and their passengers should “Roll With the Proper Gear.” Proper riding gear can reduce crashes by increasing a rider’s visibility to other drivers and reducing the severity of injuries if involved in a crash.
Below is preliminary crash-fatality data involving motorcycles, which compares the 2020 and 2021 reports. The data shows there was an approximate 12% increase in motorcycle crashes (1827 to 2051), an 11% increase in injuries (1769 to 1962), and a 14% increase (92 to 105) in motorcycle fatalities. [Source: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles]

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has identified three factors that stand out: lack of training, speeding, and riding on non-interstate roadways. In 2021, 52% of motorcycle fatalities were primarily due to unlicensed/untrained operators; 50% were primarily due to speeding, and 88% were primarily due to crashes on non-interstate roads. These factors can be offset through motorcycle operator training, reducing excessive speeding, and remaining alert when riding on non-interstate roads. “Roll With the Proper Gear” in 2022 and stay safe!