May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a national effort to reduce crashes and save lives by reminding drivers and motorcyclists that roadway safety is a shared responsibility, especially as riding season begins.
The department would like to share the following motorcycle safety tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation with residents:
- – Always wear a DOT-approved helmet
- – Wear bright or reflective protective gear to stay visible to other road users.
- – Perform regular motorcycle maintenance
- – Ride sober and avoid distractions
- – Use turn signals and follow traffic laws
- – Enroll in a certified motorcycle safety training course
With warmer weather approaching, there will be more motorcycles on the road.
For motorists and other operators
- – Look twice for motorcycles, especially when turning or changing lanes
- – Check blind spots carefully
- – Allow extra following distance
- – Use turn signals early
- – Never drive distracted or impaired
Helpful Resources:
- – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
– Motorcycle safety tips and statistics — nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles - – Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF):
– Rider education, training courses, and safety materials — msf-usa.org - – State Motorcycle Safety Programs:
– Local training and licensing information (often linked through RMV/DMV websites)
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month