Watch out for two-wheelers in warmer weather

Warm weather always brings out more two wheelers of all types, whether they be gasoline powered or of the muscle-powered variety.

That's especially good this year, because using two wheels almost always requires less gasoline than four wheels.

The down side is the danger of injuries or fatalities, especially where motorcycles are concerned.

During May, which is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Nebraska State Patrol is encouraging all motorists to be aware of the need for safe travel while operating a motorcycle or sharing the road with a motorcyclist.

Last year, one out of every nine fatalities on U.S. roads involved motorcycle riders, according to statistics from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Numbers from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety indicate 15 motorcyclists were killed in crashes on Nebraska roadways in 2007, and another 458 were injured.

"Motorcycles are often difficult to see," said Col. Bryan Tuma, superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. "The Nebraska State Patrol encourages motorcycle riders and the motoring public to look twice before changing lanes or entering intersections.

Nebraska is one of 20 states, including the District of Columbia, that require motorcycle riders and passengers to wear an approved motorcycle helmet. Twenty-seven other states have partial helmet laws, and three states (Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire) do not require helmets to be worn.

Make sure you, regardless of the law, wear an approved motorcycle helmet any time you take your bike out of the driveway. And, if you're driving another type of vehicle, keep your eyes open and double-check your mirrors before turning or changing lanes to make sure you and a motorcyclist won't be involved in a collision.