To the Editor:
In recognition of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, I’d like to encourage Nutley motorists and motorcyclists alike to commit to “sharing the road” during the month and all year long, in a collective effort to reduce motorcycle death and injuries.
Motorcycles are among the smallest and most vulnerable vehicles on the road and riders are at greater risk of death and serious injury than other vehicle operators if they are involved in a crash. According to the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), per vehicle mile, motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of cars, and five times more likely to be injured.
In 2011 alone, 4,612 motorcyclists died on America’s roads, accounting for 14% of total highway deaths even though motorcycles represent 3% of all vehicles in the country.
Motorists and motorcyclists have a common responsibility to share the road together in a safe, courteous and conscientious manner. Drivers need to be on the lookout for motorcyclists at all times, signal all lane changes and turns, and constantly be checking mirrors and blind spots before proceeding. Drivers must be fully focused and alert to the road, and in control of their vehicles at all times by never driving impaired by alcohol, drugs or distractions.
Together, motorists and motorcyclists can work together to keep each other and our roads safe for everyone, not only in May, but all year long. Additional information about safe motorcycle riding can be found at www.nhtsa.gov/ Safety/Motorcycles.
Andrew F. Garruto
Nutley
To the Editor:
Allow me to comment on the illegal immigration issues that are all over the media.
My father came to the U.S.A. in 1958 as a legal immigrant. He was subject to a barrage of inoculations (shots) as a preventive measure against transmitting certain maladies that afflict the human race. These shots applied to me and our family of eight. As a longtime Kearny resident with all of his shots and a wee dram or two as a booster, I say there has to be a level playing field. When it comes to immigration, will someone please wake up the Border Patrol? (10 illegals just sneaked in as I am writing this).
My in-laws are German. Lithuanians and Italian and were subject to the same process I mentioned above and took the time to learn the language, English.
Felix McGovern
Kearny
