Share The Road: May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 3, 2024) – The last few days have felt like summer, resulting in a familiar sound and presence - more and more motorcyclists on the roadways. In the last 10 years, registered motorcycles have increased 14%, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). While riding can be fun and liberating, it is not without its dangers. May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and AAA is reminding everyone to take precautions when driving around motorcycles and to Share the Road safely and responsibly.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2022, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed — 15% of all traffic fatalities. This is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975. Of the motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes in 2022, 35% were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.

In March, Maryland State Police responded to three separate fatal motorcycle crashes, each occurring within 24 hours over the weekend of March 16-17 in Anne Arundel, Queen Anne’s and Charles counties.

“The number of motorcyclists killed continues to be troubling, especially with motorcyclists representing 15% of all traffic fatalities on our nation’s roadways,” says Ragina Ali, spokesperson for AAA in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

To ensure the safety of all road users, AAA, NHTSA, the Maryland Coalition for Roadway Safety, and other traffic safety advocates are urging drivers and motorcyclists to share the road safely and to be alert.

“It is incumbent upon drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians to avoid distractions when on the roadways,” Ali adds. “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.”

According to the National Safety Council, in 2022, although motorcycles made up only three percent of all registered vehicles and less than one percent (0.7%) of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of all injuries.

2021 NSC Motorcycle Fatality Trends indicate the majority of motorcyclist fatalities occurred:

• On urban roads (66%)
• In good weather (94%)
• During daytime (50%)
• In crashes involving two vehicles (55%)
• When wearing helmets (60%)

Regional Statistics

Each year in Maryland, an average of 73 motorcycle riders and passengers are killed in traffic crashes and nearly 1,015 riders and passengers are injured, according to the Maryland Highway Safety Office. In 2022, there were 1,338 motorcycle-involved crashes, resulting in 77 deaths and 1,113 injuries.

This March, Maryland State Police responded to three separate fatal motorcycle crashes, each occurring within 24 hours over the weekend of March 16-17 in Anne Arundel, Queen Anne’s and Charles counties.

In Virginia, there were 2,053 motorcycle-involved crashes, resulting in 111 deaths, with 108 of the fatalities being motorcyclists, and three passengers were killed, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Helmet Use

Helmet use continues to be significantly higher in states that require all motorcyclists to be helmeted than in states without a helmet requirement. According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), use of Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmets by all motorcyclists (riders and passengers) was 66.5% in 2022, a slight increase from 64.9% in 2021. Motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41% effective for motorcycle passengers. “The importance of motorcyclists and their passengers wearing a helmet cannot be overstated,” says Ali. Like seat belts, helmets are a simple and effective way to reduce the likelihood of injury or death during a crash.

Motorcycle helmet laws vary by state. In Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, helmets are required by all riders. It’s everyone’s responsibility — both the motor vehicle driver and the motorcyclist — to practice safe habits on the road and, ultimately, to Share the Road.

AAA Mid-Atlantic Shares Tips for Sharing the Road

Safety Tips for Motorists

• 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.

Safety Tips 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. In Maryland, drivers under 18 applying for their motorcycle license are required to successfully complete an approved motorcycle safety course.
• Wear protective gear.
  • Helmet - Always wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet. It can save your life and it is the law in Maryland.
  • 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.

About AAA:

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 64 million members nationwide, nearly 90,000 members in Washington, D.C. and more than 1,000,000 members in Maryland. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, access a COVID travel restriction map, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.