May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month

Governor Eric Holcomb has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Indiana. This is in conjunction with a national campaign promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As warmer weather arrives, more riders are taking to the streets after what is usually a several-month sabbatical during the winter. May presents the ideal time to remind motorists to look for motorcyclists, as well as offer tips for riders who have been inactive since last fall and could be a bit rusty.

This year is a little different than most. Generally, Indiana records very few, if any, motorcyclist fatalities from November through April. With a mild winter and early spring, motorcyclists were out more than usual during those months this year. Regrettably, we are off to a tragic start with three fatalities occurring in only four days, just in Indianapolis. There was also a fatal motorcycle crash in Tippecanoe County on February 11th. Four motorcyclists killed before April is not the type of precedent that we want to set.

The most recent tragedy took place on April 16th when a 19-year-old rider lost his life after being struck by a suspected drunk driver. These are not merely numbers, they are human lives. These losses have tremendous ripple effects throughout their communities. We are talking about fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, friends, relatives, and co-workers. Crashes know no barriers and cross all gender, religious, race, and socioeconomic categories. This is a “problem”, and one that we must all address collectively.

We all understand that sometimes things just happen. However, most motorcycle crashes are avoidable. Multiple-vehicle crashes where a motorist violates the rider’s right of way would not occur if drivers take the time to not only look but truly see motorcyclists. Single-vehicle crashes where the rider loses control are usually the result of the operator exceeding their limits. Knowing and riding within your limits is the responsibility of each motorcyclist. 

Riders, especially new riders, who have not had the benefit of formal rider education, as well as those who are unlicensed or improperly licensed, continue to be over-represented in crashes. Enrolling in recognized rider training and being properly licensed and endorsed are steps that reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash. 

ABATE of Indiana urges bikers to be properly licensed and trained, continually develop and practice their skills, and be prepared to react to motorists who fail to see them. ABATE also asks drivers to be conscious of motorcyclists in traffic, allow riders ample space and share the road courteously with all road users. 

Just like the bumper sticker says, “Save a life, be aware, motorcycles are everywhere”.