Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month – May 1, 2027

History of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Each year, motorcycles in the U.S. travel almost 22 million miles. Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists don’t have seat belts, airbags, or the relative safety of an enclosed vehicle. Besides helmets, nothing is protecting the riders should an accident happen. Motorcycle riders and their passengers are at a high risk of serious, sometimes critical injuries. That’s usually the case if bikes collide with other vehicles.

Most motorcycle crashes happen when other drivers on the road can’t see them. Drivers may be distracted or uncomfortable with two-wheelers on the road. Anxious motorists attempt to anticipate where a motorcyclist will go, and steer their cars accordingly. All these reasons compounded with nerves results in terrible driving decisions. For motorcyclists, the situation can become extremely unsafe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) reports that motorcyclists were 25 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than people in passenger cars.

Motorcyclists must protect themselves from potentially dangerous situations. But other drivers need to be equally cautious, too. It’s imperative to respect a motorcycle’s space and right of way. Remember to take care when following or passing one on the highway. Stay aware of each other’s space. It’s an excellent way to ensure safety, not only in May but the whole year through.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month May reminds all drivers to respect and share the road. The campaign also aims to educate riders on how to stay safe while riding and all the risks involved. Motorcycles account for just 3% of registered vehicles in the U.S., but they make up 14% of fatal crashes in a year.