Summer may be on its way out, but the warm weather expected for the remainder of the month means motorcyclists will still be out riding. Unfortunately, motorcycle crashes have been reported in every region of the state this summer, with some that left families and communities in mourning.
AAA is reminding motorists and motorcyclists of key safety tips as summer transitions into fall. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that fatal motorcycle crashes have been on the rise. In 2021, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed in crashes, the highest since 1975. Fatalities increased by 9% from 2020 to 2021 and fatal crashes accounted for 14% of all crashes in 2021.
There are currently 8.6 million motorcycles registered in the nation. The number has risen significantly when looking at the number of motorcycles registered in 2002, at 4.3 million.
Driver’s key tips include: checking your mirror and blind spots before entering or leaving lanes and at intersections, signaling before changing lanes or merging, increase your following distance behind motorcycles, and never share a lane with a motorcycle.
Motorcyclist’s should check their tire pressure and tread depth before leaving, ensuring brakes, headlights, and turn signals are working, secure any cargo, ride with a helmet, wear protective gear including gloves, a jacket, and pants, keep your lights on when riding to be visible, follow traffic laws by always using a turn signal or hand signal, and never ride impaired.
