WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP, Pa. – As motorcycle fatalities trend higher than usual in Lehigh County this year, safety instructors are encouraging riders of all experience levels to sharpen their skills through formal training.
During a recent Motorcycle Safety Academy course at the Lehigh Valley Mall, instructor Ronald Brazinski taught participants the fundamentals of operating a motorcycle safely, including proper braking, hazard awareness and other techniques designed to reduce crash risks.
Brazinski said riding a motorcycle has become more challenging than it was decades ago because of increasing traffic.
“The amount of people has greatly increased, the amount of traffic has increased. So, it’s all that much more important for you to be safe while you’re on the motorcycle. Pay attention and seeing everything that’s all around you,” Brazinski said.
According to Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio, eight people have died in motorcycle crashes in Lehigh County so far this year, a number he said is higher than usual.
Brazinski said rider education is intended to improve the skills needed to avoid dangerous situations on the road.
“When we’re doing these courses, we’re increasing people’s skill levels. As you increase your skill level, you can do more things. We want to have what’s called a good rider risk offset,” he said.
The academy offers training for new riders as well as experienced motorcyclists looking to improve their riding abilities.
Brazinski said the lessons taught in the courses extend beyond motorcycle operation and can benefit everyone who uses the road.
“Look out, understand everything that’s around you, pay attention, give yourself that space, cushion, don’t be tight on each other. We need to have patience with each other,” Brazinski said.
PennDOT’s Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program offers four free motorcycle safety courses for Pennsylvania residents.
The program includes beginner, intermediate, three-wheel and advanced rider courses. More information, including course locations and registration, is available through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program.