Oneida County Sheriffs’ Office Urges Motorcycle Safety

Oriskany, NY (WIBX) - With nearly 8,000 registered motorcycles in Oneida County alone, Sheriff Robert Maciol is encouraging everyone to ride safely this summer.

Maciol reminds everyone to use common sense while on the road. This includes extra care while passing and turning, and always traveling at the speed limit.

He also suggests riders wear appropriate helmets and clothing.

"We get that nice weather and people want to have their tank tops and shorts on," Maciol said. "But, on a motorcycle, we're talking over-the-ankle boots, full-finger gloves and jackets and pants with, at impact points, they have clothing with armor protection.

According to the Sheriffs' Office, though the number of motorcycle accidents has remained consistent from 2008 until 2010, the number of deaths has more than doubled, from four to nine.

Maciol says the most common time for motorcycle accidents occurs on the weekend, during daylight hours, specifically between noon and 6 p.m.