Governor JB Pritzker has named May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation along with the Illinois State Police, and safety advocates of riding motorcycles are asking all motorists to “Start Seeing Motorcycles.” 

The Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign is important as they account for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities even though they only represent 3 percent of total vehicle registrations. There were 1,010 traffic fatalities in Illinois in 2019 with 137 from motorcycles. In 202, there were 1,193 fatalities with 153 from motorcycles. 

Beth Kaufman, Secretary of State Spokesperson, says if you’re going to ride you should wear a helmet.

Motorists should always look twice before changing lanes or merging using your mirrors and looking over your shoulder to make sure it’s safe. Also allow appropriate distance given traffic, weather, and road conditions. Use care when driving near a group of motorcyclists sharing the road with them to give them plenty of time. Make sure you signal your intent and wait for the riders to give you space. Do not merge in between groups of riders unless there is enough space to do so.

If you are riding a motorcycle, wear DOT-compliant gear with bright colors, wear all the proper protective equipment, get regular maintenance and take advantage of the free motorcycle safety courses. Give yourself space and time to react.

Above all else, the Department of Transportation is asking you to ride sober and not text. 

For more information visit www.startseeingmotorcycles.org.