Motorcycles make up only three percent of all registered vehicles in the U.S. and account for less than one percent of all vehicle miles traveled annually, but they were involved in 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in the nation in 2017. Motorcyclists are inherently more at risk than motor vehicles because they lack many of the same safety features of automobiles. That is why Montgomery County is urging all motorists to increase their awareness in safely sharing the road as May is recognized as national “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.”

Both motorcyclists and motorists need to be aware of their surroundings. Checking blind spots, mirrors and using turn signals are necessary when changing lanes and when passing. The NHTSA says motorcyclists stay safer when wearing DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets and riding sober. They should wear protective gear and keep their bikes in their best working condition.

Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash than other motorists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Montgomery County’s Vision Zero program have vested interests in addressing the types of motorist behaviors that pose a risk to motorcyclists.

In 2017, NHTSA national statistics say that 5,172 motorcycle riders and passengers died in crashes. Fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers have more than doubled in number since 1997. Of the riders who died in motorcycle crashes in 2017, 28 percent were alcohol-impaired. Males accounted for 91 percent of riders who died in a motorcycle crash in 2017.

Warm weather also is a time for increased road maintenance, so motorcyclists need to be aware of road hazards, potholes left over from winter and dangerous sudden weather conditions.

Distracted driving has been on the rise, too. Distractions during driving could mean the difference between seeing a motorcyclist or not when preparing to change lanes.

Montgomery County’s Vision Zero program, which is devoted to eliminating traffic deaths involving vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians, reminds all to not let one text change anyone’s life forever.

For more information on Montgomery County’s Vision Zero program, click here.

More information on motorcycle safety is available on the NHTSA website.

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