The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to remind all motorists that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As May approaches with warmer temperatures throughout the country, the unofficial start of the summer road travel season begins. Safe riding and driving practices, and cooperation from all road users, will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries in Virginia.
Virginia reports that in 2021, there were 102 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, a 17% increase from 2020. Research also shows that motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities each year in Virginia.
One of the primary contributing factors to motorcyclist fatalities is speeding. In 2021 52% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatalcrashes were speeding. Of these fatalities the majority were between ages of 21 to 35 years of age.
Alcohol impairment also plays a significant role in motorcycle-involved crash fatalities. In 2021, 19% of Virginia motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Safe driving and riding practices from all road users will help reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities and injuries on Virginia roadways. Keep the following tips in mind:
Obey the speed limit.
Drive and ride alcohol and drug free.
Observe all traffic laws.
Drive and ride defensively.
Yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections.
Avoid distractions that place motorcyclists and other road users at risk.
Wear high-visibility personal protective gear and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets.
Additionally, the completion of a motorcycle rider education and training course can ensure a safer riding experience. As May nears, we should all commit to safe driving and riding, and to our role in ensuring a safe motorcycle-riding environment. For a motorcycle training course near you visit here. For additional resources on motorcycle safety visit Traffic Safety Marketing.
