May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, a time to remind drivers to stay vigilant and share the road safely with motorcyclists. Motorcycles are smaller, less visible, and more vulnerable than cars, making it critical for all road users to take extra precautions. Here’s why looking out for motorcycle riders is so important and how you can help keep our roads safer.
The Vulnerability of Motorcyclists
Unlike cars, motorcycles offer little protection in a crash. Riders are exposed, with no airbags, seatbelts, or metal frames to shield them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to die in a crash than car occupants per mile traveled. Even minor collisions can result in serious injuries or fatalities for riders. This stark reality underscores the need for drivers to be extra cautious.
Why Motorcycles Are Hard to Spot
Motorcycles are smaller and narrower than other vehicles, making them harder to see, especially in busy traffic or at intersections. Common scenarios where drivers miss motorcyclists include:
- Left-turn crashes: When a car turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, often misjudging the rider’s speed or failing to see them entirely.
- Blind spots: Motorcycles can easily disappear in a car’s blind spots, especially if drivers don’t check mirrors or turn their heads.
- Lane changes: Sudden lane changes by cars can catch riders off guard, leaving them little time to react.
Additionally, motorcycles can accelerate and decelerate faster than cars, which can make their movements less predictable to drivers who aren’t paying close attention.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
Many motorcycle crashes involve other vehicles and are often preventable. Some frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention long enough to miss a motorcyclist.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who don’t yield the right-of-way at intersections or when merging put riders at risk.
- Speeding or reckless driving: Excessive speed reduces reaction time, making it harder to avoid a collision with a motorcycle.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of missing a rider.
How Drivers Can Help
As a driver, you play a crucial role in keeping motorcyclists safe. Here are practical steps to take during Motorcycle Awareness Month and beyond:
- Check twice for motorcycles: Always look twice at intersections, in mirrors, and over your shoulder before turning, merging, or changing lanes. A quick glance might miss a rider.
- Give riders space: Motorcycles need a full lane, just like cars. Avoid tailgating or trying to share a lane with a rider.
- Use your signals: Signal your intentions early to give riders time to react to your turns or lane changes.
- Stay focused: Put away distractions like phones and keep your attention on the road.
- Be mindful of conditions: Wet roads, gravel, or uneven pavement can be more hazardous for motorcycles than for cars. Give riders extra room in bad weather.
A Shared Responsibility
Motorcycle Awareness Month isn’t just about drivers—it’s also a reminder for riders to stay safe. Wearing helmets, bright or reflective gear, and obeying traffic laws can make motorcyclists more visible and reduce risks. But safety is a two-way street. When drivers and riders both take responsibility, we can reduce crashes and save lives.
Spread the Word
This May, take a moment to spread awareness about motorcycle safety. Share tips with friends and family, post reminders on social media, or support campaigns like “Look Twice, Save a Life.” Every small action helps create a culture of vigilance and respect on our roads.
Let’s make Motorcycle Awareness Month a turning point for safer driving. By looking out for motorcyclists, you’re not just following the law—you’re protecting someone’s loved one, friend, or neighbor. Share the road, stay alert, and help ensure everyone gets home safely.
Ride safe, drive safe, and let’s keep our roads open for all.