Northeast News
May 3, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind motorists and motorcyclists alike to “Watch for Motorcycles”  as May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in order to help prevent motorcycle crashes, deaths and injuries on Missouri’s roadways.

Often, drivers of cars and trucks don’t see motorcycles until the last second, or sometimes at all. Motorcycle operators have to anticipate the moves of other drivers and be extra cautious of road conditions and debris. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has offered the following tips to drivers on how to prevent an accident with a motorcycle:

  • Although a motorcycle is a small vehicle, the operator still has the same rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
  • Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
  • Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
  • Never drive distracted or impaired.

Motorcycle experts recommend motorcyclists also complete some type of training before getting out on the road. There are 29 training locations in Missouri. You can find the one nearest you at www.mmsp.org.