May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

Winter has finally left Western New York (hopefully), and motorcyclists are taking to the road. And everywhere you go, you see several signs that say, “Look Twice, Save a Life.”

Because motorcycle and car collisions are usually catastrophic, the National Safety Council declared May to be Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Sharing the road
Here are some tips for drivers on how to share the road safely with motorcyclists:

• Look twice before turning or changing lanes. Always check your blind spots and use your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns. Motorcycles can be harder to see due to their smaller size, so it’s essential to take an extra moment to ensure the path is clear.
• Leave enough space between you and the motorcycle in front of you. Remember that motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, and tailgating can be dangerous for everyone involved. Furthermore, following too closely behind can make any motorcyclist nervous.
• Avoiding distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can help you stay alert and focused on the road. Distracted driving can lead to accidents, especially when sharing the road with motorcycles.
• Intersections can be hazardous for motorcyclists, so it’s important to be cautious and yield the right of way when necessary. Always look twice before proceeding through an intersection, and watch for motorcycles.
• Motorcyclists may take longer to accelerate, so it’s essential to be patient and allow them enough time to maneuver safely on the road.

By being aware of motorcycles on the road and following all traffic laws, we can help reduce motorcycle-related fatalities this year.