SARASOTA – Thousands are expected to attend the three day music & motorcycle festival known as Thunder by the Bay. But with an increase of motorcyclist on the roadways the Florida Highway Patrol wants you to stay safe this weekend.
“We want to make sure that everyone comes down and enjoys Thunder on the Bay and they all make it home safely,” said State Trooper Kenn Watson.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Florida leads the nation in number of motorcycle deaths and injuries. That’s why ahead of the Thunder by the Bay festivities, Trooper Watson wants drivers to be on the lookout of motorcyclists on the road.
“Number one thing that we need to do to help protect our motorcyclist is making sure we do not violate the right of way,” said Trooper Watson. “Make sure there’s not a motorcycle coming.”
Trooper Watson says drivers should also be aware of their blind spot.
“Let’s use those rear-view mirrors and the side mirrors. But turning your head is something that we all must do to make sure there’s not a cyclist next to us,” he said.
But Trooper Watson says motorcyclist needs to also be aware of their surroundings and most importantly watch their speed.
“We want to make sure that all of them have their head literally on a swivel,” said Trooper Watson. “However you’ll always have someone that might be going a little too fast, and speed is always a factor. But we want to remember watch out for those blind spots.”
And Trooper Watson suggest to motorcyclist to always dress for slide not the ride, meaning using protective hear when heading out on your two wheel drive.