Millions of people across the United States ride motorcycles – some as a primary or secondary form of transportation, and others as a leisure ride. Motorcycle Safety Month is a way to alert motorists to increased motorcycle traffic and reduce the number of motorcycle-related traffic fatalities. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the Michigan Department of State’s office urges drivers to “Look Twice, Save a Life”.

Riding a motorcycle is among the riskier modes of transportation. Not only does operating a motorcycle require more physical skill and strength than driving a passenger vehicle, but motorcycles lack a protective structure, offering the rider virtually no protection in a crash. Furthermore, the motorcycle’s smaller size relative to most motor vehicles may make it less visible to drivers and will also make it more vulnerable in a collision with larger, heavier passenger vehicles and trucks.

Don’t turn traffic into tragedy. Drivers need to respect motorcyclists, give them room, and look out for them. Drivers should understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists such as size and visibility and motorcycle riding practices like weaving and downshifting. Many motorcyclists slow down by downshifting, which won’t activate the brake light.

There are more than 610,000 licensed motorcyclists in Michigan. According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2023, there were 3,056 motorcycle-involved crashes in which 165 motorcyclists were killed and 2,394 were injured. Eighty-four percent of motorcycle crashes with another vehicle happen on busy streets, and most crashes with motorcyclists happen when vehicles are turning left. It is important for drivers to keep a watchful eye and to look twice before turning to reduce the chance of tragedy.

Since the start of the “Look Twice. Save a Life.” campaign in 2019, there has been a 33% increase in Michigan drivers who report they always look twice for motorcyclists before making a turn, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by MDOS. Young drivers aged 18-29 years old report safer driving behaviors and are more likely to say they always slow down near motorcyclists, double-check blind spots, make complete stops, and use turn signals than in 2019. This age group saw the greatest gain with a 45% increase in looking twice before turns.

Most crashes with motorcyclists happen on the weekends, Friday through Sunday. An analysis of Michigan crash data from 2021-2023 shows 53% of fatal motorcycle crashes, involving a motorcyclist and another vehicle, happen from 4-11 p.m. with the highest concentration from 5-8 p.m. Secretary Benson encourages drivers to remain vigilant by slowing down, double-checking blind spots, and avoiding distractions when behind the wheel.

Don’t turn traffic into tragedy.