In the summer, more motorcyclists take to the roads. There are advantages to riding a motorcycle instead of taking a car or truck: Motorcycles use less fuel, and they’re just plain fun.

But they also require caution on the part of the motorcyclist and other drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2022, 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in crashes, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities.

For Motorcyclists

The NHTSA recommends that motorcyclists make themselves visible, wear U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant motorcycle helmets and always ride sober.

To make yourself more visible on a motorcycle, wear bright colors and use reflective tape. Use your lights even in daytime. Drive defensively, assuming that other drivers can’t see you. Stay out in the open and avoid riding in blind spots or closely behind or beside large vehicles. Never ride on the center line or the shoulder to squeeze past traffic. Always use your turn signal and beep your horn when needed.

When choosing a motorcycle helmet, the NHTSA recommends that you consider the shape and size of your head, as well as the helmet’s safety features and the kind of riding it is designed for. Check the safety ratings of the helmet, and make sure it has a sticker noting that it is DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified.

Visit NHTSA’s Choose the Right Motorcycle Helmet page for details on what to look for in a helmet and how to spot an unsafe helmet.

Alcohol and drugs, including some prescribed medications, negatively affect your judgment, coordination, balance, throttle control and ability to shift gears. These substances also impair your alertness and reduce your reaction time. Never get on your motorcycle if you have been drinking alcohol or taking a prescribed medication that could impair your driving.

For Other Motorists

More than half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).

The MSF offers the following tips for other drivers:

• Motorcycles can appear farther away than they really are because of their small size, so when deciding when to turn or cross an intersection, assume the motorcycle is closer than it looks.
• When driving behind a motorcycle, leave a greater distance between your vehicle and the motorcyclist.
• Motorcycle turn signals may not be self-canceling, so be sure that a motorcyclist is really turning before you turn or pull into the road.

According to driving-tests.org, you should always use your own turn signal so that motorcycle riders know your intention. Check your blind spots and be extra cautious when passing, and always take a second look before making a left turn.

Be aware that intersections are danger zones, and follow proper safety protocols for intersections every time you approach one. Be especially vigilant about safety when driving in the dark or in bad weather. Visit here for more tips on sharing the road with motorcycles.

Your phone should always be put away when you are driving. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Motorcycle drivers have far less protection than drivers of cars and trucks, so they are more likely to be seriously injured in any type of collision. Be respectful, share the road and drive cautiously to prevent accidents.

Sources:
Driving-tests.org
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation