May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by DOL Blog
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Spring is here and that means motorcycles are beginning to appear in greater numbers on Washington roadways.
In recognition of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Department of Licensing is recognizing May as an opportunity to encourage drivers and motorcyclists to share the roads and highways.
Motorcycle safety depends both on motorists sharing the road with motorcycles and motorcyclists making good decisions to help them reach their destinations safely. If everyone does their part, we’ll all drive on safer roadways in 2018.
Motorcyclists can be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot, so drivers should always check their blind spots before entering or leaving a lane. In addition, drivers should be especially cautious of distractions behind the wheel. Looking down at a text could mean missing a motorcyclist when preparing to change lanes. Don’t let one text change anyone’s life forever!
To help drivers understand what they can do to make roads safer for motorcyclists, the DOL’s Motorcycle Safety Program created a motorcycle awareness video called “A Second Look” that has received hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and millions of shares around the world on Facebook.
In 2015, 73 percent of motorcycle fatalities were determined to be the fault of the rider, with the top three causes being alcohol or drug impairment, rider negligence, or excessive speed. Riders have the ability to minimize or eliminate these risks through continued training.
DOL’s Motorcycle Safety Program promotes the benefits of motorcycle training with the exciting video series, “Training is Everything.”
More tips for safe riding:
• Wear bright-colored, reflective clothing and protective eyewear.
• Keep headlights on at all times.
• Watch for animals in your path, especially at night.
For more information about motorcycle safety, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety.
More information about motorcycle safety training and motorcycle endorsement requirements is available at DOL.WA.GOV.
Visit the DOL YouTube page to watch our motorcycle safety playlist. It’s a great link to share with all the motorists and motorcyclists on your newsfeed!