May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
SIOUX FALLS, SD – May 2, 2024 – With the nicer weather of spring and summer, more motorcyclists are on the roadways. In the last 10 years, registered motorcycles have increased 14%, according to the National Safety Council(NSC). While riding can be fun and liberating, it is not without its dangers. May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and AAA is reminding everyone to take precautions when driving around motorcycles and to Share the Road safely and responsibly.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2022, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed — 15% of all traffic fatalities. This is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975. Of the motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes in 2022, 35% were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.
South Dakota Motorcycle Safety Facts
- According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (SDDPS), South Dakota has more motorcycle riders per capita than any other state.
- Motorcycles make up about 7.6% of the motor vehicles registered in South Dakota yet represent and average of 17.5% of total fatalities
- Every year during August, South Dakota hosts one of the world’s largest motorcycle events – the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Most motorcycle fatalities occur in a four-county area in western South Dakota (the Black Hills area), and 70% of total motorcycle fatalities occurred during the months of July, August and September.
- 70% of the people involved in fatal motorcycle accidents in South Dakota are from other states.
“The number of motorcyclists killed continues to be troubling, especially with motorcyclists representing a disproportionate amount all traffic fatalities on our nation’s and state’s roadways,” said Shawn Steward, spokesman for AAA South Dakota. To ensure the safety of all road users, AAA and other traffic safety advocates are urging drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert.
“It is incumbent upon drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians to avoid distractions when on the roadways,” Steward added. “Motorcyclists are also reminded of their responsibility to keep themselves as safe as possible by following the rules of the road, wearing a DOT-compliant helmet, being visible to other drivers, and never driving while impaired.”
According to the National Safety Council, in 2022, although motorcycles made up only three percent of all registered vehicles and less than one percent (0.7%) of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of all injuries.
2021 NSC Motorcycle Fatality Trends indicate the majority of motorcyclist fatalities occurred:
- On urban roads (66%)
- In good weather (94%)
- During daytime (50%)
- In crashes involving two vehicles (55%)
- When wearing helmets (60%)
Helmet Use
Helmet use continues to be significantly higher in states that require all motorcyclists to be helmeted than in states without a helmet requirement. According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), use of Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmets by all motorcyclists (riders and passengers) was 66.5% in 2022, a slight increase from 64.9% in 2021. Motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41% effective for motorcycle passengers.
“The importance of motorcyclists and their passengers wearing a helmet cannot be overstated,” AAA’s Steward said. “Like seat belts, helmets are a simple and effective way to reduce the likelihood of injury or death during a crash.”
According to SDDPS, 56.6% of motorcycle riders involved in crashes on South Dakota roads in 2022 were not wearing a helmet. Of the 13 motorcyclists killed in those crashes, 61.6% wore no helmet.
Motorcycle helmet laws vary by state. In South Dakota, helmets are required only by motorcycle riders and passengers less than 18 years of age. It’s everyone’s responsibility — both the motor vehicle driver and the motorcyclist — to practice safe habits on the road and, ultimately, to Share the Road.
AAA South Dakota Shares Tips for Sharing the Road
Safety Tips for Motorists
- Share the road. A motorcycle has the same privileges as any other vehicle on the road. Be courteous and give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel.
- Look out. Look for motorcyclists on the highway, especially at intersections when a cyclist may be making a turn or changing lanes. Clearly signal your intentions.
- Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers. Obstructions (debris, potholes, etc.) that you may ignore or not notice can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Anticipate their possible evasive actions.
- Allow plenty of space. Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions.
- Keep your cool. Even if you get agitated seeing a motorcyclist making unsafe moves, do not attempt to play games on the road.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
- Make yourself visible. Choose protective gear that provides visibility and protection. This includes wearing bright colors. If riding at night, wear clothing with reflective materials.
- Allow space. Position your bike in the lane so that you can be seen. Allow additional space for emergency braking and room to maneuver. Avoid riding in a motorist’s blind spot. Make lane changes gradually and use appropriate signaling.
- Never share a lane beside a car. A driver may be unaware of your presence. Most drivers are looking for larger vehicles, not motorcycles.
- Clearly signal your intentions. Use turn signals before changing lanes and never weave between lanes.
- Complete a motorcycle rider education and training course. The overwhelming majority of motorcyclists have had no formal training – they were self-taught or learned from family and friends. Get professional training on how to be a defensive driving motorcyclist.
- Wear protective gear.
- Helmet - Always wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet. It can save your life.
- Eye protection - Visibility is key to riding safely. Many motorcycles do not have windshields. Riders should protect their eyes with goggles that can shield the face from wind and debris, both of which can cause tearing and, blurred vision.
- Body Protection - Jackets with long sleeves and trousers protect limbs from injury.
- Gloves - Durable gloves should be a non-slip type to permit a firm grip on controls.
- Footwear - Proper over-the-ankles footwear should be worn to help prevent injuries.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 64 million members nationwide and more than 100,000 members in South Dakota. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
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