Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: Safety Is a Shared Responsibility
Posted on: May 8, 2025
Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road, including reduced visibility, road hazards, and the lack of structural protection that passenger vehicles provide. While motorcycles represent a small fraction of registered vehicles in the state, they account for a high number of serious and fatal accidents.
What Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month?
Many drivers have incorrect assumptions about motorcycles and motorcycle riders. One of the most common misconceptions is that bikers are inherently reckless or prone to speeding. While some take risks, most follow traffic laws and prioritize safety. Motorcycles require skill, focus, and caution, and most riders take those responsibilities seriously while on the road.
Another misconception is that motorcycles can stop or maneuver faster than cars in all situations, which is how they are often portrayed in television shows and movies. While bikes are more agile, they are also more vulnerable, especially in congested stop-and-go traffic, bad weather, or uneven roads. Drivers who expect bikers to react instantly or weave around hazards may misjudge distances or create dangerous situations. Assumptions and misunderstandings about how motorcycles and bikers operate contribute significantly to dangerous collisions, particularly when drivers fail to yield, miscalculate speed, or crowd a motorcycle’s space on the road.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is designed to raise awareness, educate the public about motorcycles, and encourage all motorists to share the road and help reduce motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. It also serves as a reminder for motorcyclists to prioritize safety, wear protective gear, take safety courses, and remain alert to road conditions and driver behaviors.
Additionally, “Look Twice, Save a Life” is a statewide public awareness campaign during the spring and summer months to encourage drivers to be extra cautious around motorcycles. It reminds motorists to take a second look before changing lanes, making turns, or pulling out into traffic, and drivers can prevent tragic accidents.
The campaign includes educational materials, road signage, and community outreach promoting shared responsibility between bikers and other drivers.
Everyone’s safety on the road is a shared responsibility.
What Are Safety Tips for Bikers and Motorists?
Staying safe on the road requires effort from both bikers and drivers. The following tips can ensure everyone shares the road responsibly and help reduce the risk of accidents:
For bikers:
- Always wear a helmet and protective gear.
- Complete a safety course and practice defensive driving.
- Maintain safe speeds.
- Use extra caution at intersections.
- Avoid riding in bad weather or poor visibility.
- Regularly maintain the motorcycle.
For motorists:
- Check blind spots and mirrors before changing lanes.
- Allow motorcycles a full lane and extra following distance.
- Use turn signals well in advance.
- Use extra caution in traffic and at intersections.
- Avoid distractions.
- Never drive under the influence.
What Steps Should I Take After a Motorcycle Accident?
The steps you take after an accident can greatly impact your ability to recover compensation later. If you are physically able, report the incident, gather evidence, and exchange contact information with the property owner or others involved. Take photos of the scene and your injuries, and collect contact details from any witnesses.
You should also seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor, and keep copies of all medical and accident-related records. Before speaking with an insurance company, it is wise to consult an experienced lawyer who can protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Freehold Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Fight for Clients Injured in Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcycle crashes often result in severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, significant recovery periods, and lengthy time off from work, all of which can lead to financial hardship. If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, our skilled Freehold motorcycle accident lawyers at Ellis Law can help. Call 732-308-0200 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.
