Motorcycle Safety Belongs to Everyone on the Road | TechTalks

Two motorcyclists riding on the road on a sunny day.

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Norman, OK — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls on Oklahoma drivers and riders to commit to sharing the road through safe driving and riding practices and by recognizing that Motorcyclists’ Safety Is Everyone’s Safety.

While this topic is important year-round, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May is a good time to remind people of the importance.

Moore Norman Technology Center has been offering motorcycle basic rider and advanced rider classes throughout the year to with certified MSF RiderCoaches to ensure that participants are learn proper skills and techniques to be safe on the road. Taking a 3 Wheel Basic Rider Course designed specifically for 3-wheel vehicles is an essential first step to gaining control of your riding experience.

Motorcycle ownership and miles traveled have shown steady growth over time, and motorcycle rider fatalities have gone up.

“Road safety for motorcyclists should be a concern and priority for every road user. Every year, a disproportionate number of motorcyclists are involved in traffic fatalities,” said Lee Dow, MNTC Director of Aviation and Transportation. “These fatalities can be prevented through consistent safe behavior from both drivers and riders,” Bethanye Smith, MNTC coordinator said.

According to the latest NHTSA data, from 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes that year representing 15% of all the traffic fatalities. The fatality rate for motorcyclists was 28 times higher than that of passenger car occupants. Speed and alcohol impairment are the leading contributors in fatalities among motorcycle riders.

Thirty-six percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 22% of all passenger car drivers. Of the motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes, 41% were alcohol-impaired.

Motorcycle riders practicing these easy safety steps can potentially save lives:

Ride sober
Observe all traffic laws
Obey the speed limit
Ride defensively
Avoid distractions while driving
Wear protective clothing and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets

For motorcyclists, hands-on motorcycle rider education provides dynamic riding skills and builds rider confidence. Completing such training is essential and may provide insurance discounts while easing the path to obtaining a motorcycle license.

Motorcyclists can contact their state motor vehicle administration to get licensed and find a motorcycle rider training course Motorcycle Safety Foundation website to find a MSF class near you. Moore Norman Technology Center offers classes taught by MSF certified RiderCoaches who provide hands-on guidance in everything from maneuvering and braking to navigating turns and managing speed safely.

NHTSA leads efforts to increase helmet use nationwide, and estimates that the use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets among motorcycle riders increased to 73.8% in 2023 from 66.5% in 2022. Motorcycle riders can learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet at NHTSA.gov/Motorcycles.

Learn more about additional safety for automotive and transportation related short term classes.

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