Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the unofficial start of the motorcycle riding season. As the weather warms and the sun comes out, bikers feel the call of the road. However, the majority of motorcycle accidents occur during the summer months. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, you can take steps to help keep motorcyclists safe. It starts with just being on the lookout for more motorcycles on the road in the summer months. Another important thing to remember is that motorcycles can slow down much faster than cars and trucks, so you should always increase your following distance if you are driving behind one.

In honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, I recently interviewed a motorcyclist who hits the open road frequently. He explained to me the important safety measures he takes as well as those that other drivers can take. He said he had a few years’ experience riding and explained that one of the most important things he did to stay safe was to always wear a good quality helmet and be aware of those around him.

He said he makes sure to stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots. He stressed the importance of a “triple check” that drivers should do before turning or switching lanes: Check in the rearview mirror and the side mirror and turn your head around to check blind spots. He added that motorcycle passengers must understand how to ride. The passenger or person on the back of the bike must trust the driver and not lean too much. Leaning can cause accidents and make the bike flip or fall over.

He added that he has had a few minor accidents that could have become major if he had not been wearing a helmet. However, sadly, a majority of U.S. states do not have laws requiring that motorcyclists wear helmets. Only eighteen states in the United States mandate helmets for motorcyclists—but the first thing a new rider should do is put on a helmet. Accidents often happen within the first few months that a person begins riding. New riders are still figuring everything out and learning how to ride a bike properly and handle their specific bike. For this reason, it is not a good idea to have a passenger until some time has passed and a driver is more comfortable operating the motorcycle.

Motorcyclists should stay informed of any equipment or bike recalls as a safety measure. Many counties offer motorcycle safety courses that one can attend; the courses may or may not be required to get a motorcycle license. According to the National Safety Council, only about three percent of registered vehicles in the United States are motorcycles, so it is imperative that other drivers remain vigilant in watching for riders and do not allow motorcyclists to become a forgotten minority.

We can all do our part as drivers and passengers to help keep motorcyclists safe on the roads. Encourage a motorcyclist on ways they can stay safe, and let them know how much you appreciate their safety in May!

For specific protective equipment and training requirements for Air Force Riders, visit the Air Force Safety Center’s DAFRider website at https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Air-Force-Rider/.