Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

by Courtney Conley

Each May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As the weather gets warmer in most parts of the country, you’re more likely to encounter motorcyclists on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uses this opportunity with their "Get Up to Speed on Motorcycles" campaign to remind us to stay alert and safely share the road with motorcyclists. In 2019 alone, there were 5,014 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes. While that number is down from the previous year, it’s still much too high.

Motorcycle

Motorcycles are small and hard to see, especially at intersections. They’re narrower, so approaching one from the front or back may be less obvious to your eye. That makes it harder to judge how far away they are and how fast they’re going. Because they’re so small, it looks like they’re moving faster than other vehicles, making them even harder to see.

Most motorcyclists ride in the warmer months, with few riding in the winter. It’s easy to forget about them, especially in the spring after they’ve been gone all winter.

When it comes to motorcycle lighting, in most cases, motorcyclists have to keep their headlights and taillights on at all times. This helps them be seen, but they’re still harder to notice than other vehicles. It’s also harder to see the brake lights on a motorcycle because their taillights are always on, and they’re pretty small. Additionally, motorcyclists don’t always use their brakes when stopping, so you have to pay closer attention and leave plenty of room between yourself and motorcyclists.

Motorcycles don’t have the "Center High Mount Stop Light" like cars and trucks. That’s the light that’s eye level, or close to it. Usually motorcycle brake lights are lower than eye level, making them harder to see. It’s also hard to see motorcycle turn signals because they’re so close to the taillights or headlights. While motorcyclists may wear reflective clothing, many don’t.

Here are some tips for staying safe around motorcyclists:

  • Watch for motorcycles when turning left. Collisions with motorcyclists often occur when a motorist turns left in front of the motorcycle. These types of collisions are very dangerous for motorcyclists.
  • Don’t tailgate. Increase your following distance, as motorcycles can stop faster than you may expect in good conditions. In adverse conditions and at night, give them even more space.
  • Expect the unexpected, and actively keep an eye out for motorcycles. Familiarize yourself with different types of motorcycles so you know what you’re looking for.
  • Don’t drive distracted. Avoid sudden movements, such as changing lanes without making sure it’s safe and clear to do so.
  • While blind spot monitors and back-up cameras can help, don’t rely on technology to alert you to motorcycles.

This May, and all year, help keep all roadway users safe by looking out for motorcycles, and driving carefully around them. Taking an online defensive driving course or an insurance discount course is a great way to help prepare you for any type of driving situation! Click here to visit our website to see the online courses we offer in your state!

Each May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As the weather gets warmer in most parts of the country, you’re more likely to encounter motorcyclists on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration uses this opportunity with their "Get Up to Speed on Motorcycles" campaign to remind us to stay alert and safely share the road with motorcyclists. In 2019 alone, there were 5,014 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes. While that number is down from the previous year, it’s still much too high.

Categories: Driving Laws, Driving Safety