Sep 28, 2008 6:54 pm US/Eastern
3 New Laws Make Roads Safer For Motorcyclists
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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State lawmakers recently approved new laws to make drivers share the road with motorcyclists.
Motorcycle riders rallied for years to get more protection on the road.
As
Gigi Barnett reports, state lawmakers recently approved new laws to make drivers share the road.
Motorcyclists on the road concerned for their safety received more support in the form of three new laws.
On the road with two wheels can be dangerous for motorcyclists like Ben Frecon.
He's constantly watching out for potential dangers. More often than not, that means looking out for car drivers.
"They'll drive real close behind you or cut you off without looking," said Frecon.
Three new laws recently passed by Maryland lawmakers will make the highway safer for motorcycle riders.
"The first and probably the most is that there is an increased penalty if a motorist violates the law for motorcyclists. The fine used to be $150, and now it's up to $1,000," said Peter Moe, State Highway Administration.
Another new law, which has been in effect since June, allows motorcyclists to ride with LED lights, causing drivers to look twice.
"Motorcyclists are injured in about eight out of 10 of every motorcycle crash," said Moe.
Frecon has had several near misses.
"I was just coming off of 83. I don't know if she even looked or not, and she almost ran over me," said Frecon.
Last year, police reported 96 motorcycle fatalities. That's the highest number of motorcycle deaths in Maryland.
Frecon has one request for drivers.
"Watch out for motorcycles," said Frecon.
The Motor Vehicle Administration reports more than half of the accidents between motorcycle riders and car drivers are usually the fault of the car driver.
Many of those accidents end in serious injury or death for the motorcyclist.
The third new law allows motorcycles with three wheels, commonly called trikes, to hit the road.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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