TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Spring is drawing more riders onto the streets, and safety is top of mind for both motorcyclists and first responders.
Traffic Officer Joel Smith with the Twin Falls Police Department said some of these crashes can be prevented and often involve a combination of speed, visibility and driver awareness.
“Whether their two cars, car versus pedestrian or motorcycle, if everyone just slows down and pays attention while they are operating their motor vehicle whether it be four wheels or two, if we focus on the road and our driving, crashes are absolutely preventable,” Smith said.
Smith urged drivers to always double-check their blind spots and give motorcycles plenty of space. For riders, wearing protective gear and staying visible are critical.
“Motorcycle riders, we don’t have as much protection so it’s really on the rider to make sure they are prepared skill wise and their riding ability and their protective gear,” Smith said.
Those safety measures can be the difference between life and death, a reality first responder Justin Jensen with Minidoka Memorial Hospital knows.
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Jensen is one of the EMTs that responded to the deadly motorcycle crash in Rupert last week.
“Always look before you pull out in an intersection, look both ways and even look twice before you do it just to double check and make sure you are safe before you pull out,” Jensen said. “Last week it happened in a matter of seconds, he didn’t see him and just pulled out.”
Both law enforcement and emergency crews share the same message: stay alert and look out for each other.
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