AAA urges Motorcycle Safety Awareness to motorists

May is known as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and AAA is reminding motorist to be aware and to share the road safely with bikers.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and AAA is reminding motorists to be aware and share the road safely with bikers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motorcycle riders are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. Dating back to 2022, over 6,200 motorcyclists were killed, making up for 15% of traffic related fatalities — the highest number of motorcyclists killed since 1975.

“The number of motorcyclists killed continues to be troubling, especially with motorcyclists representing 15% of all traffic fatalities on our nation’s roadways,” said Rylie Fletcher, spokesperson for AAA in Oklahoma.

The number of registered motorcycles has increased to 14% over the past 10 years. AAA, NHTSA and other traffic safety advocates are strongly insisting both drivers and motorcyclists to take the extra precautions on the road and to stay alert.

“It is incumbent upon drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians to avoid distractions when on the roadways,” said Fletcher. “Motorcyclists are also reminded of their responsibility to keep themselves as safe as possible by following the rules of the road, wearing a DOT-compliant helmet, being visible to other drivers, and never driving while impaired.”

A list of safety tips from AAA Oklahoma recommended for motorcyclists:

• Make yourself visible.  Choose protective gear that provides visibility and protection.  This includes wearing bright colors.  If riding at night, wear clothing with reflective materials.
• Allow space.  Position your bike in the lane so that you can be seen. Allow additional space for emergency braking and room to maneuver. Avoid riding in a motorist’s blind spot.  Make lane changes gradually and use appropriate signaling.
• Never share a lane beside a car. A driver may be unaware of your presence. Most drivers are looking for larger vehicles, not motorcycles.
• Clearly signal your intentions. Use turn signals before changing lanes and never weave between lanes.
• Complete a motorcycle rider education and training course. The overwhelming majority of motorcyclists have had no formal training – they were self-taught or learned from family and friends. Get professional training on how to be a defensive driving motorcyclist. 
• Wear protective gear.
  • Helmet - Always wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet.
  • Eye protection - Visibility is key to riding safely.  Many motorcycles do not have windshields.  Riders should protect their eyes with goggles that can shield the face from wind and debris, both of which can cause tearing and, blurred vision.
  • Body Protection - Jackets with long sleeves and trousers protect limbs from injury.
  • Gloves - Durable gloves should be a non-slip type to permit a firm grip on controls.
  • Footwear - Proper over-the-ankles footwear should be worn to help prevent injuries.

According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office each year in Oklahoma an average of 76 motorcycle riders and passengers are killed in traffic related crashes while 991 riders and passengers are injured. In 2021, Oklahoma saw 1,285 motorcycle involved crashes with those same averages — 76 deaths and 990 injuries.

Motorcyclists wearing Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant helmets increased in 2022 with 66.5% of both riders and passengers abiding by proper helmet safety, according to National Occupant Protection Use Survey. This was a slight increase from the 64.9% of motorcyclists who wore DOT compliant helmets in 2021.

“The importance of motorcyclists and their passengers wearing a helmet cannot be overstated,” said Fletcher. “Like seat belts, helmets are a simple and effective way to reduce the likelihood of injury or death during a crash.”

Helmets are 37% effective for motorcycle operators when preventing fatal injuries while being 41% effective for passengers.

While many states vary in helmet laws, Oklahoma requires that riders that are 18 and under to wear a helmet.

Motorists are also encouraged to practice safety tips when it comes to sharing the road with motorcyclists:

• Share the road.  A motorcycle has the same privileges as any other vehicle on the road.  Be courteous and give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel.
• Look out. Look for motorcyclists on the highway, especially at intersections when a cyclist may be making a turn or changing lanes.  Clearly signal your intentions.
• Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers.  Obstructions (debris, potholes, etc.) that you may ignore or not notice can be deadly for a motorcyclist.  Anticipate their possible evasive actions.
• Allow plenty of space.  Do not follow a motorcycle too closely.  Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions.
• Keep your cool.  Even if you get agitated seeing a motorcyclist making unsafe moves, do not attempt to play games on the road.