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)