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Safe Roads: Motorcycle Awareness

Hannabass and Rowe Collision Center is dedicated to keeping you safe on the road in all capacities. NHTSA calendar of safety events provides consistent information on best safety practices while on the road. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Keep these tips in mind whether you are a motorist or a motorcyclist. Be aware as we share the road. 

When accidents do happen: Remember to tow to Rowe. But let’s do our best to keep our roads as safe as possible! 

What are some tips for Safe Roads: Motorcycle Awareness?

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Tips for Motorists

  • Yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections

  • When driving, avoid distractions that place motorcyclists and other road users at risk.

  • Remember, motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles and difficult to see. Their size can also cause other drivers to misjudge their speed and distance.

  • Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has the same rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.

  • Always use a turn signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.

  • If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, remember: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling, and the motorcyclist could have forgotten to turn it off. Proceed with caution to allow the motorcyclist the opportunity to complete the maneuver.

  • Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic.

  • Allow more follow distance — beyond three to four seconds — when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

Tips for Motorcyclists 

  • Observe all traffic laws and always obey the speed limit.
  • Wear personal protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet with a “FMVSS No. 218 Certified” label. NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017. An additional 749 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn their helmets. Learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet at www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet. 
  • Never ride while impaired or distracted — it is not worth the risk of killing or injuring yourself or someone else. A DUI costs $10,000 on average, and can lead to jail time, loss of your operator’s license, and higher insurance rates.
  • Always complete rider education courses and ride with a current motorcycle license. In 2020, 36% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.
  • Obey the speed limit. Thirty-four percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2020 were speeding, compared to 22% for passenger car drivers, 16% for light-truck drivers, and 7% for large-truck drivers. Motorcycle riders 25 to 29 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speeding involvement at 45%.
  • Drive and ride defensively.
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By promoting motorcycle awareness and practicing safe driving habits, we can all work together to create safer roads for motorcyclists and other road users alike. Remember, it’s everyone’s responsibility to share the road safely and respectfully.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate event of a collision, stay calm and know who to call. Here are some tips on how to choose a collision center. 

 

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