Mechanical engineering graduate student Carla Guzzardo fell in love with motorcycles at a young age.
“I was born to be an engineer, and motorcycles are another beautiful machine to me,” Guzzardo said. “I was always fascinated by them.”
She is one of many students and faculty members on campus taking advantage of the cheaper costs and convenience that motorcycles offer.
According to the Louisiana Crash Data Report, the state sees far less fatal incidents involving motorcycles than other vehicles.
In 2011, Louisiana had 217 car accidents with driver and passenger fatalities, while motorcycle riders saw far fewer incidents with 68 fatalities. This number marks a decrease in the number of fatalities from 74 in 2010 and 104 in 2009.
The illusion of safety that comes with driving a vehicle disappears on a bike, Guzzardo said.
“You feel the wind pressing against you and your clothes, with smells everywhere,” Guzzardo said.
In comparison to the rest of the state, the University has seen relatively few accidents involving motorcycles, according to Capt. Cory Lalonde, LSU Police Department spokesman.
No motorcycle accidents have occurred on campus since the beginning of the spring 2012 semester. In 2011, only three of the 446 traffic accidents at the University involved motorcycles.
These numbers have proven consistent over a long time span.
Over the past 15 years, LSUPD has reported only one fatality involving a motorcycle. Lalonde said the incident occurred in 2005 when a rider on River Road lost control as he was speeding.
It’s safe to say there is a small percentage of incidents near campus, where fewer accidents occur in comparison to most jurisdictions, Lalonde said.
Guzzardo said riding a motorcycle versus driving a vehicle is more economic for her because of cheaper gas and easier parking situations. She did pinpoint some drawbacks, however, including helmet hair, lack of storage for items and exposure to the elements.
Parking motorcycles on campus remains relatively safe. Lalonde said LSUPD only saw three incidents of motorized scooter theft in 2011 and no thefts so far in 2012.
University Director of Parking, Traffic and Transportation Gary Graham said there isn’t a particular reason as to why students and faculty tend to ride motorcycles instead of driving vehicles to campus.
According to the University’s parking guidelines for motorcycles, there is no charge for a motorcycle permit if the student already has a vehicle permit. If the student does not have a vehicle permit, there is a $30 charge.
If faculty members don’t have vehicles registered under Plan B or C, they pay $8 per month for motorcycle parking.
Guzzardo acknowledges that riding a motorcycle can be more dangerous, especially when some drivers who don’t pay attention.
“I personally accept the risk,” Guzzardo said. ”I do as much as I can to protect myself, and I have become a much better driver on and off the bike because of the need to be aware of the road and drive defensively.”
Lalonde also advised motorcycle riders to be especially cautious since they are more exposed and likely to be injured in the event of an accident.
“Drivers need to be aware of others on the road,” Lalonde said. “Everyone needs to think about the possibility of motorcycles being near when approaching an intersection.”
Guzzardo said she does everything in her power to mitigate the risk of injury when riding a motorcycle.
“I think about my route in advance and try to avoid areas I know will be congested, especially during rush hour when drivers may not be the most patient,” Guzzardo said. “I try to be very aware of what’s going on around me.”
She has gone as far as participating in safety classes and plans to take an experienced rider course in the future.
Guzzardo said she is also involved in a women’s motorcycle club, the Amazons.
“I can’t imagine my life without a motorcycle,” Guzzardo said.
 
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Contact Lauren Duhon at [email protected]