May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which is now recognized by the White House! 

“My Administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of everyone who rides a motorcycle and all who travel across our Nation,” President Biden wrote in a letter dated May 1. 

“All of us who travel America’s roads have an important role in securing a safe motorcycle-riding environment.”

With favorable weather conditions and summer road trips on the horizon, it’s important for all motorists to be cognizant of those on two wheels who may be in a blind spot. While motorcyclists are entitled to the same rights and consideration granted to drivers of four-wheeled vehicles, the majority of vehicles on the road are not motorcycles. 

We all bear a responsibility in maintaining the safety of motorcyclists on the road. When motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles collide, it is predominantly the driver of the non-motorcycle vehicle who violates the motorcyclists’ right of way. 

There are a variety of reasons why motorcycles are discounted. Being mindful of these routine conditions may prevent the next motorcycle fatality or serious injury from occurring:  

• Motorcycles are smaller relative to other vehicles
• Motorists sometimes fail to anticipate a motorcycle’s movements
• Motorists’ view of a motorcyclist is sometimes blocked by their own vehicle’s blind spots or by the presence of other vehicles
• Motorists are sometimes distracted while driving