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May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Idaho

To reduce motorcycle crashes and save lives on Idaho roads, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is teaming up this May with partners across the state for Motorcycle Awareness Month. The effort includes a ride on Saturday, May 5, from Sandy Point State Park to the State Capitol.

“Idaho is beautiful this time of year and it makes for a great time to ride,” said OHS Grants Officer Cecilia Awusie. “As more and more riders are out and about, we need everyone on the roads to be a little more engaged and to watch out for each other.

Last year, 25 people were killed in motorcycle crashes in Idaho. So far this year, there have been at least two deaths related to motorcycle crashes.

In an effort to increase motorcycle safety, OHS and its motorcycle safety committee have created a motorcycle map showing different areas to ride and tips to stay safe.

“There are some wonderful scenic and technical rides across the state, we want to show those areas. But we also want to help people be prepared for what they might encounter on the road,” said Awusie.

In addition to the map, the Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety is hosting its 33rd Annual Motorcycle Awareness Rally on Saturday beginning at Sandy Point State Park (kickstands up at 1 p.m.) with the ride finishing at the Statehouse.

“Rider safety is something we take very seriously,” Awusie said. “Please wear your helmets and other protective gear, plan ahead and please don’t ever drink and ride.”

The following safety tips will help drivers be more engaged around motorcycles and keep roadways safe:

- Slow down, assess your surroundings, and don’t rush when crossing intersections, entering the roadway from a parking lot or driveway, or turning left. Always give yourself enough time to thoroughly check for motorcyclists.

- When turning left, ensure there is enough time and space for a motorcyclist to clear the roadway before you initiate the left turn.

- Don’t follow motorcyclists too closely and allow sufficient braking cushion between your vehicle and the motorcycle in front of you so vehicles have room to come to a complete stop without a collision. Remember, a motorcyclist’s brake lights might not always be engaged when a motorcycle decelerates.

- Always double-check your blind spots when changing lanes or starting to entering or exiting the roadways. Adjust your rear- and side-view mirrors and use them properly.

- If someone you know drives a motorcycle, tell him or her to always wear a helmet—even if the law doesn’t require it. According to NHTSA, an estimated 740 lives could have been saved in 2015 if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.