May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This annual campaign is held each spring by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promote safe driving and riding practices to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on the roadways.

Motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to die in traffic crashes than passenger vehicle occupants.

In 2020, which is the most recent data available, 5,579 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month aims to encourage safe driving alongside motorcyclists on the road.

Safe Driving and Riding Tips

The following are practices motorcyclists should be following to help reduce injuries and accidents on the highway:

• Wear clothing that is visible to other motorists.
• Always have your headlight on when riding.
• Always wear a helmet on a motorcycle, regardless of whether it is the law.

Steps other motorists can take to help reduce accidents and injuries on the highway during motorcycle season are:

• Always yield to motorcyclists.
• Avoid distractions while driving.
• Look twice before changing lanes to make sure there is no one in your blind spot.

Both motorcyclists and other motorists should follow these practices:

• Obey all traffic signs and laws.
• Drive defensively.
• Do not drive under when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Those wanting to ride a motorcycle should take a rider education and training course prior to operating a motorcycle. This can help provide a safer riding experience for everyone on the road. Cooperating with all motorists on the roadways will help reduce the number of accidents this summer.