Latest news with #MotorcycleSafetyAwarenessMonth
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Local riders raise awareness for motorcycle safety
MATTYDALE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which is also prime time for motorcyclists in central New York. Syracuse Police say the likelihood of a motorcycle crash happening increases around May each year. Sgt. Blake says motorcycle crashes happen in the city every year, and at least one person dies as a result. 'If operated improperly, motorcycles can be dangerous. We have to remember to be very responsible, not only when we're on the motorcycle but also on the road and observing folks that are riding motorcycles,' said Syracuse Police Sgt. Tom Blake. 'It is both the rider's responsibility and the responsibility of those sharing the road with motorcycles as well to make sure everyone is being safe.' Members of Hades Hounds LEMC in Syracuse are also raising awareness about motorcycle safety. 'We try to keep our bikes up to par, inspected all the new parts and everything and most motorcyclists, except maybe some of the crotch rocket guys, are pretty safety conscious. We want to live another day,' said Lawrence Barnes, a member of Hades Hounds. Barnes, an 82-year-old veteran, said he's been riding his motorcycle since 1996. Despite some of the dangers that come with motorcycling, Barnes doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. 'We try to keep our bikes up to par, inspected all the new parts and everything and most motorcyclists, except maybe some of the crotch rocket guys, are pretty safety conscious. We want to live another day,' said Barnes. Making safety their first priority. 'As long as you maintain your bike, do proper maintenance on your bike, that's pretty much where safety comes in,' said Kurt Sorensen, founder of Hades Hounds LEMC. Hades Hounds says wearing a motorcycle helmet that's DOT approved isn't just a law in New York state. But it can also save your life. 'Other states have options where you can ride with a helmet and without a helmet. If I had my choice, I would wear a helmet, just simply because you don't get a second chance,' said Sorensen. 'Keep in mind, about 50 percent of the fatalities occur with people who are not wearing motorcycle helmets,' said Blake. More motorcycle safety tips can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Climate
- USA Today
National park discourages motorcyclists from visiting this summer
National park discourages motorcyclists from visiting this summer As part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Death Valley National Park issued a warning to motorcyclists about visiting the park during the summer months, telling them to 'think twice before traveling during the hottest months of the year' because of the serious risks. 'Motorcycle riders are injured or killed due to the extreme conditions every year in Death Valley,' park superintendent Mike Reynolds said. 'Your safety is our priority, and we want you to return home safely so you can ride for the long haul. 'We encourage riders to visit between October and April, when temperatures are significantly cooler and safer for motorcycling.' Temperatures can reach up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and once the heat index exceeds 99 degrees Fahrenheit, ambient air no longer offers any cooling relief, even while riding at speeds. Making the intense conditions worse for motorcyclists is the protective gear they wear, making heat-related illnesses more likely. For the motorcyclists who still want to risk a ride in the summer, the park offers these safety tips: *Review active park alerts to learn about weather or closures. *Map your route in advance; there is no cell phone signal in most of the park. *Ride during cooler times of the day, such as before 10 am. *Take frequent breaks in air conditioning or shaded areas. * Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. * Slow down on curves. * Ride in center of lane and single file to have more space to maneuver on roads with limited shoulders. The National Park Service also offers a Motorcycle Safety page, as well as a Beat the Heat Safety page. Photos courtesy of NPS/Kurt Moses.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Motorcycle crashes, fatalities down in Des Moines, DMPD reports
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department says motorcycle crashes in Des Moines are down, along with injuries and fatalities. It's Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Des Moines Police Department is reminding the community that with warmer weather, motorcyclists are back on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, reported that 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. This represented 15% of all traffic fatalities and was an increase of 1.3% from 2022. Campers begin Memorial Day weekend celebrations The DMPD reports that their data shows motorcycle crashes in Des Moines decreased from 131 in 2023 to 106 in 2024. Fatalities in Des Moines also went down from six in 2023 to five in 2024. WHO 13's Adrianna Torres spoke with the Des Moines PD in April about the importance of watching your mirrors and speed on the road. 'It's time to start sharing the road. Need to get ourselves in that mindset of looking a little bit closer because those motorcycles much lower profile than a car,' DMPD Sgt. Paul Parizek said. 'We also tell the motorcyclists that it's going to take a minute before they realize, hey, motorcycles are back on the streets. They also need to make sure that they keep their speed and their driving behaviors in a safe fashion, because a lot of these crashes that we see with motorcycles, excessive speed is a major contributor.' NHTSA shared these tips that both drivers and motorcyclists can use to stay safe on the road. Observing all traffic laws and obeying the speed limit. Yielding to motorcyclists, especially when drivers are turning at intersections. Wearing high-visibility protective gear and DOT compliant motorcycle helmets while riding. Completing a motorcycle rider education and training course. Avoiding distractions while driving or riding. Driving and riding alcohol- and drug-free. Riders can learn more about motorcycle safety and being road-ready at the NHTSA website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What contributed to the deadliest year on record for motorcyclists in Colorado
(COLORADO) — With warmer weather comes more motorcycles out on the road, and unfortunately, that means more motorcycle crashes. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and FOX21 News recently covered a story encouraging motorcycle safety and the use of helmets, after a record number of motorcyclists were killed on Colorado roads in 2024. Following that coverage, our viewers reached out wanting to know the statistics of how many motorcycle crashes were caused by other drivers and how many were caused by motorcyclists. We contacted the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) to learn more, and what we found were some alarming statistics that point to a larger problem on our roads. According to CSP's Motorcycle Safety Training (MOST) Coordinator Chris Corbo, 84% of crashes involving motorcycles in 2024 were deemed motorcyclist at-fault. Of those, 47% of the motorcyclists did not have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's licenses–meaning nearly half of the motorcyclists deemed at-fault for crashes in 2024 were not licensed to drive a motorcycle in the state. In order to ride in Colorado, it is required by law that motorcyclists obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their license, marked by either the letter 'M' or a '3.' An 'M' endorsement permits the operator to drive either a two‑wheeled or three‑wheeled vehicle, and a '3' only permits a three-wheel. What is not required by law, however, is helmet use. Only those under 18 are required by law to wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said of the 165 motorcyclists killed in 2024, 73 (44%) were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that speed and alcohol are also large contributing factors in motorcycle crashes–20% of the state's motorcycle fatalities in 2024 involved impairment. Motorcycle fatalities accounted for nearly a quarter (24%) of all traffic deaths in the state, despite being just 3% of vehicles on the road. The above data follows several years of alarming statistics involving motorcycles–according to CDOT, while passenger vehicle deaths decreased 10% from 2023 to 2024, motorcycle deaths jumped 23%. There is some good news, however. So far in 2025, CDOT said motorcycle deaths are down 20% compared to the same time period in 2024. This could be in part due to the implementation of the lane filtering law, which allows motorcyclists to legally move to the front of stopped traffic, protecting them from potentially deadly rear-end crashes. What you can and can't do when lane filtering 'Last year's record number of motorcycle deaths is a call to action for both Colorado drivers of passenger vehicles and motorcyclists alike,' said CDOT's Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. 'We must look out for one another on our roadways. And to all of our motorcycle riders, wear a helmet and protective gear — it is the number one way to prevent serious injury or death in a crash.' The safety of motorcyclists on Colorado roads depends on the cooperation of everyone, whether they are on two wheels or four. Car and truck drivers can save a life simply by checking their blind spots, remaining focused on driving and avoiding distractions, and giving motorcyclists plenty of space. Motorcyclists can protect themselves by wearing a helmet, being educated on their vehicles and getting a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license, and by operating their motorcycles safely and responsibly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Natchez Trace Parkway encourages motorcycle riders to travel safely
NATCHEZ, Miss. (WJTV) – As warmer temperatures return and motorcycle rides take to the scenic byways in Mississippi, the Natchez Trace Parkway is joining the National Park Service's (NPS) 'Different Road, Different Ride' campaign this May. The campaign will highlight motorcycle safety during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The 444-mile parkway stretches through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. The parkway is designed to blend into the natural environment, but it's different that what most riders are used to: Tight curves, often one after the other Narrow lanes Limited shoulders with little space to correct if riders go off the road Wildlife at the edge of the road or crossing, especially deer and turkey Highway named in honor of Vietnam war hero Mac Hamburg According to the NPS, the parkway averages 50 motorcycle crashes each Safety Tips for Motorcyclists on the Natchez Trace Parkway: Slow down on curves – Be prepared for decreasing radius curves that tighten as you go through them. Ride in center of lane & single file – This position and riding formation gives riders more space to maneuver on narrow lanes. Scan the road for wildlife – Wildlife like deer and turkeys can often be found feeding on the side of the road and unexpectedly crossing it, especially at dusk and dawn. Check weather conditions – Avoid riding in adverse weather, which can make road surfaces slippery. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
