GLADSTONE — The warm summer weather is bringing more motorcyclists out on the roads. Michigan State Police at the Gladstone Post want to remind motorists to be more aware of motorcycles.

Community Service Trooper Dale Hongisto said it is everyone’s responsibility, not just the motorcycle riders, to keep motorcyclists safe on the road.

There were a total of 2,648 motorcycle traffic crashes in Michigan with 126 being a fatal crash and 1,945 causing injury in 2018, according to the 2018 Michigan State Police end of year traffic crash statistics.

“Almost two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents are caused by a driver violating a rider’s right of way,” Hongisto said.

Out of the 2,648 motorcycle crashes in Michigan in 2018, 12 occurred in Delta County, seven occurred in Menominee County, and one occurred in Schoolcraft County, according to the MSP 2018 traffic crash statistics.

Out of the 12 motorcycle crashes in Delta County, two were fatalities and seven caused injury. Out of the seven in Menominee County, one was a fatal crash and four caused injury.

“One of the best tips we can give is to ride defensively,” Hongisto said. “Don’t assume the other drivers can see you.”

Motorcycles are smaller, so they have a lower visibility to other vehicles on the road.

“With motorcycles being smaller than … regular passenger vehicles, of course, the blind spot comes into play more. Motorcycle riders are going to want to stay out of the blind spot of other cars,” Hongisto said.

He added motorcyclists should always ride with their headlights on to increase visibility.

Another safety tip for motorcyclists is to signal well in advance before any change of direction, according to Hongisto. He added to make sure to watch for other vehicles turning.

Motorcyclists, just like other motorists, should always follow traffic rules.

“Obviously obey the speed limit because the faster you go, the longer it will take you to stop,” Hongisto said.

When preparing to ride a motorcycle, it is also suggested for riders to continuously hone in their riding skills through education.

“Maybe complete a formal riding education program. Take a riding course from time to time to develop riding techniques and sharpen your street riding strategies,” Hongisto said.

Despite the law in Michigan that allows motorcycle drivers to operate a motorcycle without a helmet, Hongisto advises it is best to still wear a helmet.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle reduces the risk of death by 37 percent and reduces the risk of a head injury by 69 percent.

“You’re five times more likely to get a critical head injury if you don’t have your helmet on,” Hongisto said.

In the Upper Peninsula, motorcyclists should keep an eye out for wildlife, as well.

“With the amount of deer we have in our area, you most certainly need to be on the look out,” he said.

The majority of all motorcycle crashes in Michigan occurred on local streets rather than highways, according to MSP 2018 traffic crash statistics.

In Delta County, six of the 12 motorcycle crashes in 2018 occurred on a local street, one occurred on a state route and five occurred on a U.S. route.

Four of the seven motorcycle crashes in Menominee County in 2018 occurred on a local street with other crashes occurring on a state route.

The one motorcycle crash in Schoolcraft County in 2018 occurred on a U.S. route.

Out of all of the tips, Hongisto said he personally feels the most important safety tip out there for motorcyclists is to drive defensively.

“Don’t always assume the drivers of the other vehicles can see you,” he said.