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WHP asks public to give motorcycles proper follow distance
Published
1 year agoon
Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Erik Jorgenson called into Public Pulse to speak to the public on Interstate traffic and motorcycle safety.
Jorgenson is currently patrolling the area of Sundance Wyo. while the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally takes place just over the border in South Dakota.
According to Jorgenson, South Dakota and Wyoming have a memorandum of understanding, (MOU) which allows brief but critical blurring of the jurisdictional lines allowing the South Dakota Highway and the WHP assistance should it be needed.
Although hundreds of thousands of motorcycles take to the interstate every year for the rally, Jorgenson reports that traffic has been slower due the rainy summer.
It is due to the rainy weather that Jorgenson suggests giving motorcycles plenty of room when following them on the roads and highways.
A good rule of thumb recommends a two second following distance or more to allow drivers time to react should a motorcycle operator have an incident. In inclement weather, a three to four second follow time may be required.
The Sturgis Rally will conclude on Aug. 13. Between now and then, motorcycle enthusiasts will be traveling the roads of Wyoming, enjoying the sites and towns of the Cowboy State.
Jorgenson asks that the public be patient and remain vigilant to the safety hazards of the road.
Charlene S Foster
August 8, 2023 at 4:30 pm
I’m a little tired of being reminded over and over each year to “watch out for motorcycles.” When will we have announcements targeting the cyclists reminding them to follow the same rules of road as 4-wheel motorists, ie: stop creating lanes where none exist, use turn signals to let drivers know their intent, stop running up on the rear of cars/trucks at stoplights. Motorcyclist also need to use common courtesy toward other drivers.
Bill Day
August 9, 2023 at 7:28 am
I’ll say yup to that! There there own worst enemy!