The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants to remind all motorists to Get Up to Speed on Motorcycles during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month (May). NHTSA has designed this campaign to help motorists understand typical motorcycle driving behaviors and learn how to drive safely around motorcycles on our shared roadways.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month coincides with May, as the month ushers in warmer weather, and motorcyclists begin to ride more frequently. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities each year. According to NHTSA, "Per vehicle miles traveled in 2021, motorcyclists were about 24 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and were 4 times more likely to be injured." It is essential that vehicle drivers pay attention on the roads: even the smallest momentary lapse in a vehicle driver’s awareness can result in the death of an unseen motorcyclist.

In 2021, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, an 8% increase from the previous year (the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities since they began tracking it in 1975). Motorcyclist deaths accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities in both years. In 2021 over 82,000 motorcyclists were injured which is a 5% increase from the previous year.

Just like motorists buckling their seat belts, using a DOT-compliant helmet can drastically increase survival rates in the event of a crash. NHTSA data shows that in "States without universal helmet laws 55% of motorcyclists killed in 2021 were not wearing helmets, as compared to 9% in states with universal helmet laws."

Tips for Motorists
Because vehicle drivers control a much larger machine, it is imperative that they keep close watch for motorcyclists who may be riding nearby. Drivers may follow these tips to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:

• Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has the same rights of the road as any other motorist. Always allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane.
• Always use a turn signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling, and the motorcyclist could have forgotten to turn it off. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
• Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
• Always allow more following distance – three to four seconds – when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
• Never drive while distracted or impaired.

Tips for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists must take extra precautions to guard against drivers who may not see them. Follow these tips to prevent a fatal crash with a vehicle if you drive a motorcycle:

• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
• Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
• Use hand and turn signals for every lane change or turn.
• Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
• Ride in the middle of the lane where you are more visible to drivers.
• Never ride while distracted or impaired.

More information on motorcycle safety.