Latest news with #NationalMotorcycleSafetyAwarenessMonth
Business Wire
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Motorcyclist Fatalities in Washington Decrease in 2024, Down 23% From Previous Year
OLYMPIA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and officials are hopeful that fatal motorcycle crashes decreased in Washington. As the weather gets warmer and the roads get drier, the Department of Licensing (DOL) and Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) are reminding drivers of all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles, to safely share the road. According to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation, motorcyclist fatalities decreased in 2024 on Washington's roads. In 2023, there were 142 motorcyclist fatalities, the most in Washington state's history. In 2024, Washington experienced a 23% decrease with 110 motorcyclist fatalities. While one motorcyclist serious injury or fatality is unacceptable, it's hopeful to see this reduction. Traffic safety professionals remain concerned about the overall increase in motor vehicle crashes resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, and while motorcycles represent a small number of incidents, they also represent a disproportionate number of the deaths. In the last five years (2020-2024), motorcycles made up just 3% of registered vehicles on Washington's roads and accounted for 16% of all traffic fatalities. 'While most Washington motorcycle riders practice safety, the number of fatalities is still higher than pre-pandemic levels. This is particularly concerning because we know these crashes are preventable,' said Mark Medalen, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager at WTSC. 'One fatal crash is too many, and while we saw a reduction and are moving closer to our goal of zero fatal or serious injury crashes, we still have work to do to prevent these incidents and improve safety on our roads.' Motorcyclists are over-represented in traffic fatalities because they are vulnerable road users that don't have the steel cages, air bags, seat belts, and crash protection of other motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, per mile traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash and four times more likely to be seriously injured. Most crashes on the road are caused by human choices or errors. The leading causes of motorcycle fatalities (single vehicle and multi-vehicle crashes) are speed, impairment by alcohol and/or drugs, and distraction. 'We encourage riders to 'create their own safety' by riding within their skills, sober and well-rested, checking their speed, and wearing all the safety gear all the time,' said Robert Willis, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager with Washington Department of Licensing. 'Make your ride more enjoyable by enhancing your skills with beginner and advanced training courses.' Motorcycle collisions can cause serious injury or death to both driver and motorcycle rider. The WTSC's motorcycle safety website, ' Ride Safe, Ride On,' has a collection of resources including videos, blogs, training tools, and safety information designed to help motorcyclists and motorists learn how to safely share the road with each other. Drivers are also encouraged to leave extra space and following distance around motorcycles, always drive sober, wear a seatbelt, follow speed limits, and avoid distractions. Visit and for more rider education, testing, training, endorsement, and safety information. About Ride Safe, Ride On Ride Safe, Ride On is a motorcycle safety outreach program from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. We focus on making a positive impact on Washington motorcycle riders by promoting ongoing training, responsible riding and wearing all the safety gear, all the time.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Officials share safety tips for motorcyclists, other drivers
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — May is the start of riding season for many motorcyclists in Ohio, which can also mean an increase in crashes and fatalities. This month also marks National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. With two deadly motorcycle crashes in less than a week, officials are especially urging drivers and motorcyclists to take precautions on the road. 21-year old man dies in Monday motorcycle crash In the last five years, there have been over 850 motorcycle crashes in Montgomery County. Riders and law enforcement agree that in these warmer months, everyone should be more caution on the roadways. Norm Kern has been riding bikes for nearly 60 years. He says it's a feeling like no other. 'It's like flying a plane at ground level,' said Kern. 'You bank a corner, it's exciting, it's exhilarating, it's a very mental thing.' But as fun as riding can be, it can also be extremely dangerous. Last year, 213 Ohioans were killed in motorcycle-related crashes, according to Motorcycle Ohio. After two deaths in the Miami Valley in the last week, law enforcement and riders are hoping to spread safety awareness. Kern says he stays safe while riding by wearing gear. 'Armor jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and of course, we have full coverage helmets,' said Kern. 'And most of us rid with communicators or little Bluetooth communicators.' The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says the extra gear is needed, especially with such a high risk of injury related to motorcycles in comparison to cars. 'You got a metal frame, you got a seatbelt, you got airbags, those just aren't there on a motorcycle,' said Jeremy Roy, MCSO chief of staff. 'So sometimes that's what's causing a lot of the problems when you have a crash because those safety features just aren't there.' According to Motorcycle Ohio, a division of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, 78 percent of all motorcycle crashes happen between May 1 and Oct. 31. Alcohol and drugs were involved in 58 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes last year as well. Most crashes happen at intersections or on the freeway, and nearly all of them involve cars as well, leading officials to remind all drivers to stay alert for others on the roadway. 'Motorcycle safety takes everybody. It takes riders to be smart when they're out there on the road and be safe. And then drivers also have to look out for motorcyclists as well. And that means no distracted driving,' said Judy Converse, Motorcycle Ohio. Motorcycle Ohio encourages all riders to take a safety course and get a license, not just a permit. For more information on how to get signed up, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — You may have seen many motorcycles out in the beautiful weather, and a month-long safety campaign is making sure they all stay safe while on the roads. 28/22 News has more on how May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The roar of a motorcycle ready to hit the road is a common sound with the warmer temperatures in the month of May. 'This time of year, a lot of people are getting out for their first time, and people in cars have to be aware of motorcycles on the road,' explained Mark Scappatura, salesman/manager at Two Jacks Cycle and Powersports. Two Jakes Cycle and Powersports in Wilkes-Barre is in its busy season, and manager Mark Scappatura says they're sharing tips and education about Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month with its customers. Motorcyclist Matt Ceklosky has been riding for about five years. Lane restrictions on I-81 to last through Friday 'When I first got my bike, the first thing I noticed like riding on the road is you see people on their phones all the time. You see people swerving and stuff, you realize like how little you are compared to other drivers, and they're not as worried because they're in a car,' said Cekolsky. Jaiden Rodriguez, who just started riding a month ago, says he's experienced the same problem. 'I had one person swerve into me, but I luckily got out of it a lot faster than I thought I could… He was just on his phone, no turn signal, and just kind of swayed into the lane,' explained Rodriguez. According to PennDOT in 2023, there were more than 3,400 motorcycle crashes statewide, with 238 of those being deadly. Startling statistics that make Rodriguez dress the part. 'Helmets a big thing and everything else. I mean, I don't want to get hurt in case something happens,' said Rodriguez. Some tips for motorists to be more mindful of bikes on the road are to take an extra moment to look for motorcyclists, keep a safe distance, and always predict a bike is closer than it seems. 'You might not know how fast they're going, you might cut into them or something. I have people cutting me off all the time,' explained Cheklosky. State law doesn't require motorcyclists to wear a helmet, unless you're younger than 21 or haven't completed a PennDOT-approved safety course. However, riders are strongly encouraged to gear up for their protection. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
