May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which is now recognized by the White House!
“My Administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of everyone who rides a motorcycle and all who travel across our Nation,” President Biden wrote in a letter dated May 1.
“All of us who travel America’s roads have an important role in securing a safe motorcycle-riding environment.”
With favorable weather conditions and summer road trips on the horizon, it’s important for all motorists to be cognizant of those on two wheels who may be in a blind spot. While motorcyclists are entitled to the same rights and consideration granted to drivers of four-wheeled vehicles, the majority of vehicles on the road are not motorcycles.
We all bear a responsibility in maintaining the safety of motorcyclists on the road. When motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles collide, it is predominantly the driver of the non-motorcycle vehicle who violates the motorcyclists’ right of way.
There are a variety of reasons why motorcycles are discounted. Being mindful of these routine conditions may prevent the next motorcycle fatality or serious injury from occurring:
- Motorcycles are smaller relative to other vehicles
- Motorists sometimes fail to anticipate a motorcycle’s movements
- Motorists’ view of a motorcyclist is sometimes blocked by their own vehicle’s blind spots or by the presence of other vehicles
- Motorists are sometimes distracted while driving