05/10/2026
Day 10...Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Month.
Motorcycles crashes happen for a variety of reasons including:
Cars and trucks don’t properly look for motorcycles. And, even if they see a motorcycle, they often fail to respect the motorcyclist’s rights. They may not let the motorcycle pass or merge. Larger vehicles often fail to gauge the motorcycle’s ability to turn.
Cars and trucks are much bigger than motorcycles. When a motorcycle and a car collide, the motorcycle is likely to be crushed.
Motorcycles offer little protection for the riders. When motorcycle accidents happen, the driver and passengers usually fall onto the hard ground or fly into other vehicles.
Objects on the road. Cars and trucks can ride over highway debris. Riders on motorcycles that hit a dead animal or a pothole are very likely to fall.
Common safety suggestions
Motorcycle drivers:
Ride sober and drug free. Drunk drivers don’t have control of their motorcycle and pose a danger to cars, trucks, and pedestrians.
Share the road. Understand how to ride with other motorcycle riders, cars, and trucks.
Have a license. The NHTSA data show that in 2017, 29% of the deadly motorcycle crashes involved a driver who did not have a valid motorcycle license.
Take a course. In addition to having a license, beginning riders should take safety courses. Even skilled riders should regularly brush up their skills. Courses can teach how to ride in bad weather, how to turn, how to maintain your motorcycle, and many other valuable lessons. IT'S FREE IN PA.
Practice. Before riding on the main roads, practice in lots and areas where there is little or no traffic.
Have the right gear. Riders should have raingear, goggles, boots or shoes that can help with stopping and starting. Wear clothing that can be seen by other drivers.
Understand the rules of the road. This includes checking for speed limits, understanding when lane sharing is permissible, when and how to signal, and other rules.
