May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Kansas Department of Transportation reminds drivers to stay alert and share the road. Whether traveling by motorcycle or another vehicle, everyone wants to arrive safely.
The national campaign, “Motorcyclists’ Safety is Everyone’s Safety,” encourages everyone on the road to follow safe driving and riding practices. Speeding and alcohol impairment are two of the leading factors in motorcycle-related crashes. Preliminary 2024 Kansas data shows that 54 people died and more than 852 sustained injuries in crashes involving motorcycles.
“Motorcyclists continue to be overrepresented in traffic fatalities,” said KDOT Behavioral Safety Manager Gary Herman. “It’s essential that both riders and drivers pay attention to each other. No matter what kind of vehicle you’re operating, the emphasis must be on putting people’s lives and overall roadway safety first.”
Drivers and motorcyclists can help reduce the number of injuries and fatalities by:
Observing all traffic laws, including obeying the speed limit.
Driving and riding alcohol- and drug-free.
Avoiding distractions – focus on the roadway and other vehicles.
Riders should wear high-visibility protective gear, a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet and are required to have a M endorsement on their license. Click here to find a list of approved motorcycle education sites in the state. Access this NHTSA link for more information on motorcycle safety.
