Northwest Iowa — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds everyone who drives to Share the Road during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month this May. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month coincides with May, as the month ushers in warmer weather, and motorcyclists begin to hit the streets.
They tell us that with thousands of deaths each year, motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities. In fact, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 27 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and 5 times more likely to be injured.
Iowa State Patrol Safety Officer for our area, Trooper Nick Erdmann, says that motorcyclists need to be extra aware, because other drivers may not see them.
He says Motorcycle Safety Month is a good reminder to drivers of other vehicles to be looking for motorcycles.
He reminds us that all motorists should avoid alcohol and drugs and to be aware of the interactions of prescription drugs with each other and with alcohol, and to stay off the roads if they are impaired.
You can find more information about motorcycle safety at:
https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/motorcycle-safety/motorist-awareness-motorcycles.
