May marks the beginning of riding season for many motorcyclists in America. It is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and Huron County Prosecutor Tim Rutkowski reminds all motorists that a Motorcyclist’s Safety Is Everyone’s Safety. Motorcycle safety is an ongoing responsibility for all road users. By consistently following safe driving and riding practices and sharing them with others, all motorists can help reduce the number of motorcyclist crashes and fatalities on America’s roads.
Safety Matters – Stay Alert and Focus on the Driving
Each year motorcyclists are overrepresented in traffic crashes. Two leading contributors to this reality are speeding and alcohol impairment. According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2022, there were 3,267 motorcycle-involved crashes in which 180 motorcyclists were killed and 2,466 were injured. Over the past ten years, there was a 2.5 percent increase in motorcycle-involved crashes from 3,186 in 2013 to 3,267 in 2022. There were 180 motorcycle-involved in fatal crashes in 2022, up 35.3 percent from the 133 fatal crashes in 2013.
The phrase, ‘Look Twice to Save a Life – Motorcycles are Everywhere’ is an important reminder to everyone. Motorcycles can be harder to see on our roads and we all need to stay alert and focus on our driving.
Huron County Prosecutor Tim Rutkowski
Alcohol impairment and other drugs plays a significant role in motorcycle-involved crash fatalities, and 2022 was no exception. Of the motorcyclists killed, 45 (26%) of the deaths were the result of a had-been-drinking crash and 40 (23.1%) motorcyclists were killed as a result of a crash involving drugs.
However, many crashes also happen because of other drivers turning without seeing the oncoming motorcycle, or not seeing the motorcycle turn or stop in front of them, or some drivers doing a variety of dangerous behaviors. It is important to remember that motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Wear a Helmet
Like seat belts, wearing DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets save lives and reduce injuries. Among the 173 motorcycle fatalities, 68 (39.3) motorcyclists were wearing helmets, and 91 (52.6%) motorcyclists were not wearing helmets. Helmet use was unknown for 14 (8.1%) motorcyclists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data estimates that helmets saved 1,872 motorcyclists’ lives in 2017 and that 749 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn their helmets.
The following are safe driving and riding practices that all road users — vehicle drivers and motorcyclists alike — should follow to help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on America’s roadways:
- Observe all traffic laws and always obey the speed limit.
- Drive and ride alcohol- and drug-free.
- Avoid distractions while driving or riding.
- Drivers should yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections.
Motorcyclists should wear high-visibility protective gear and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets. Learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet at www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet
One other significant step that motorcycle riders can take toward promoting road safety for all motorists is completing a rider education and training course. During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month — and every month — motorcycle riders and every other driver should commit to adopting and promoting safe driving and riding practices. Everyone can work towards a secure environment for motorcycle riders and all other motorists.
The Huron County Board of Commissioners unanimously proclaimed May 2024 as Motorcycle Awareness Month during their meeting on April 23, 2024.
