May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Rep. Steve Mentzer (R-Lititz)
Despite public campaigns to enhance the safe operation of motorcycles and public service ads on radio and television aimed at increasing motorists’ awareness of the road all around them, there were still 3,447 crashes involving motorcycles on Pennsylvania roadways in 2016, resulting in 192 fatalities.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering these tips to help keep motorcyclists – and all vehicle drivers and passengers – safe.

Motorists should remember that motorcycles may be difficult to see and ensure they check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections; always signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic; and allow at least 4 seconds following distance when following a motorcycle.

Drivers also should respect a motorcycle as a full-sized vehicle and allow a motorcyclist a full lane width to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions.
Motorcyclists can do their part to help avoid crashes by wearing reflective clothing and putting reflective tape on their protective clothing and motorcycle; using common sense by riding sober, obeying all speed limits and allowing enough time to react to potentially dangerous situations; conducting a pre-ride check; and knowing how to handle their motorcycle in adverse road and weather conditions.

The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) offers Pennsylvania residents with a motorcycle permit the opportunity to earn a motorcycle license or refresh their skills through a variety of free training courses. More information is available online at  PAMSP.com.

For even more information about motorcycle safety, visit JustDrivePa.org/Traffic-Safety-Information-Center/Motorcycle-Safety.