Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: Fact Sheet

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. During this time, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to help vehicle drivers and motorists practice safe riding practices and cooperation. This effort will help lower the number of injuries and fatalities on the highway.

Highway Facts

• • An estimated 5,579 motorcyclists died in 2020, 11% higher than in 2019. About 82,500 were injured, 2% lower than in 2019.
  • Motorcyclists over the age of 55 were 27% of 2020 crashes. From 2011 to 2020, this percentage increased by 37% from 1,087 to 1,486.
  • The average age of motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents was 43 in 2020.
  • In 2020, motorcyclists were 28 times more likely to die in a motor crash and four times more likely to be injured than passenger vehicle occupants.
  • About half of the motorcyclists that passed away on the road between 2011 and 2020 died on the weekend. Nonetheless, weekday fatalities have increased by 15% since 2020, from 2,402 to 2,765.

Motorist Safety Tips

The best way to keep motorcyclists safe is to be reminded of how to keep an eye out for them. For Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, lets go over some tips.

Be cautious

Steer clear of distractions like texting that place you and others at risk when interacting with motorcyclists.

Yield

Watch and observe all traffic laws, including yielding to other motorcyclists at intersections and other locations on the road.

Avoid impaired driving

Don’t drive after consuming alcohol or drugs. Driver and motorcycle safety is greatly affected by driving under the influence.

Be defensive

Remember to drive defensively at all times.

Watch distance

Note the small size of the motorcycles. It can be trickier to judge their distance, so take care when working your way around them.

Provide room

Give more distance when behind someone on a motorcycle. They will have more time to stop or maneuver if something goes wrong.

Give an entire lane

Provide motorcyclists with full lane width. They need room to maneuver safely, no matter how much it looks like they have.

Provide warning

Signal before changing lanes on the road. Motorcyclists can use this alert to reach a safer spot as they shift.

Watch obstructions

Obstructions are common at intersections. If you’re turning and can’t see oncoming traffic, wait. Scan the road to ensure no motorcyclists or pedestrians are visible before proceeding with the turn. Take it slow.

Look at blind spots

Check mirrors and blind spots before merging with traffic.

Watch motorcycle signals

Note that some motorcycle signals might be a mistake. Still, move cautiously until their signal turns off to keep them safe. For this years Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we want everyone being more careful.

Check all unseeable areas.

Remember that it’s easy for a motorcycle to disappear in a blind spot. Look for motorcyclists in mirrors and blind spots before shifting to another lane for the safest navigation.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Tips

Being a motorcyclist can be exhilarating and fun. However, you must know these motorcycle safety tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

• Obey laws: Observe and obey all traffic laws.
• Avoid impaired driving: Do not ride while distracted or impaired. This action puts you and those around you at risk for injury and even death.
• Be educated: Complete rider education courses and get a current license for your motorcycle. About 36% of motorcyclists in 2020 did not have a valid license when they were in a fatal crash.
• Be defensive: Always use defensive driving techniques when riding or driving.
• Note the speed limit: Follow the speed limit.
• Don’t speed: In 2020, 34% of motorcyclists that passed in crashes were speeding. Those in the 25-29 age group category were the highest speeders.
• Wear proper protective gear: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, a durable jacket and pants, gloves, and protective over-the-ankle footwear.

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