PICKERINGTON, Ohio — May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and the American Motorcyclist Association is urging motorists to be aware of motorcycles on the nation's roads and highways.
"Although a number states have travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many riders use a motorcycle as their primary vehicle, commuting to essential jobs, making deliveries and running errands," AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. "As travel restrictions are relaxed, many more motorcyclists will take to the nation's roads and highways, so we implore motorists to be on the lookout for motorcyclists.
"Motorcycle Awareness Month is our opportunity to call attention to the safety issues affecting motorcycle road riding, which in turn encourages motorists to stay alert for motorcyclists throughout the rest of the year," Dingman said.
Drivers should doublecheck their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, maintain a safe distance when following motorcycles and pay particular attention when making left turns across traffic.
Launched by the AMA in the early 1980s, Motorcycle Awareness Month was adopted by many state motorcycle-rights organizations, government entities and AMA-sanctioned clubs.
Every year, the AMA tracks bills in state legislatures that address the safety of motorcyclists, including the issue of distracted driving. The official AMA position statements on distracted and inattentive vehicle operation can be found at American Motorcyclist.