OSP: Motorists need to watch out for motorcycles

The warmer weather has more motorcyclists out on the roadways, and for new or experienced riders, both bikers and drivers need to be aware of everyone on the road with them.

“I ended up buying one and I’m really happy I did. It’s been a blast,” said Charlie Colucci, who works for a motorcycle dealership and has been a biker for a little over a year.

He said he’s been cut off before from drivers not paying attention.

“It definitely gives you an adrenaline rush because you’re not expecting it,” Colucci said. “You can never assume that they’re going to see you so it’s best to keep as much space as possible.”

Accidents involving motorcycles can happen in a matter of seconds, which means riders need to have their heads on a swivel.

“When you’re riding a motorcycle it’s so much more different that an car because you’re so much more exposed,” said Lt. Mark Nichols of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Nichols said this time of year is when motorcycles return to the roadways, so everyone needs to do their part to stay safe. He suggests motorcycle riders to go over safety tips and refamiliarize themselves with their bikes. Those driving four-wheeled vehicles need to be aware motorcycles are going to be out.

“People are excited to get their motorcycles out, excited to get out on the road,” Nichols said.

Last year, there were 200 deadly crashes involving motorcycles in Ohio, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

This past weekend, there were two fatal motorcycle crashes, though neither crash on Saturday involved vehicles other than motorcycles.

Kelly Ann Morgan, 40, of Dayton, was a passenger on a motorcycle who was killed Saturday evening when two motorcycles collided on Ohio 245 in Champaign County, according to the county sheriff’s office.

Blake A. Daniel, 22, of New Lebanon, was killed Saturday night when he crashed his motorcycle on Ohio 726 in Monroe Twp., Preble County, according to the OSP’s Dayton Post.

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