Motorcycle Awareness Month is a time to bring awareness to motorcyclists on our roads and to encourage both car drivers and motorcycle riders to work together to make roads safer. The American Motorcyclist Association, a nonprofit organization that works to promote the motorcycling lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling, has issued the press release below regarding Motorcycle Awareness Month and what it hopes to accomplish.
The AMA states that safety concerns are especially prominent during a time when more cars are featuring advanced driver assist capabilities and more drivers are distracted while driving. The organization encourages drivers to remain aware at all times and recognize that many driver-assist technologies, such as lane-keeping assistance and automated braking, are still in early stages of development.
Rider supports the AMA’s mission to promote motorcycling and safety. For more information, read the press release below or visit the AMA website.
As more riders return to the open road, the American Motorcyclist Association reminds motorists to look for motorcycles and extend courtesy to their two-wheeled counterparts this Motorcycle Awareness Month. May heralds the unofficial start of the summer travel season, and this annual campaign aims to increase awareness and advocate for enhanced safety measures that improve motorcyclist safety nationwide.
“The safety and increased awareness of motorcyclists on the road is one of our paramount concerns here at the AMA,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Motorcycle Awareness Month is the perfect time for the AMA to address our core mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. One of the best ways to accomplish that is by encouraging measures that make our members safer on the road.”
During Motorcycle Awareness Month, and all year long, it’s imperative that motorists and motorcyclists work together to create safe roadways and reduce the number of crashes on our nation’s highways.
In a recent survey, AMA members indicated that the most concerning issues facing motorcyclists on the road pertain to distracted driving and the inattentive usage of Automated Driving Systems (ADS) in cars and trucks. Regarding these dangerous issues, among others, the AMA stresses the importance of exercising vigilance behind the wheel and avoiding all distractions while driving.
The AMA also reminds those who own cars with advanced driver assist capabilities to remain alert and attentive when operating their vehicle. Additionally, drivers should remain aware of their surroundings when using driver-assisted technology, including lane-keeping assistance, automated braking and adaptive cruise control, as many of those features remain in the early stages of development.
The AMA was encouraged by a recently enacted law that permits lane-filtering in Colorado, as well as other efforts around the country to pass similar legislation. As seen through implementation in several other states, lane filtering reduces the possibility for rear-end collisions by allowing motorcyclists to filter through congested traffic at low speeds.
Related: Colorado Legalizes Lane Filtering
As we celebrate Motorcycle Awareness Month this May, the AMA urges all road users — including both cars and motorcycles — to drive safely and remain vigilant on the road to ensure a safe environment for riders and drivers alike.
Since the creation of Motorcycle Awareness Month in the early 1980s, the AMA and its network of clubs, state motorcycle rights organizations, the motorcycle industry and U.S. government entities have been steadfast supporters of Motorcycle Awareness Month. Stay engaged at the AMA website and the AMA’s social media channels throughout the month for more information on motorcycle awareness.
When you ride a motorcycle you should never assume that other driver sees you,the day that you assume is the day that you die.
Seeing heavy rain when motorcycles are also driving is just not good. All the Petro chemicals, mixed with lots of same and heavy rain is just not a good idea. Find a decent car of any kind to keep one safer.
Aww David…I appreciate your concern for my safety. I choose to ride in the rain. I’ve been riding in the rain for decades. I live and ride in the PNW, and I haven’t had an issue yet (knock on wood). I actually like riding in the rain. It’s very cathartic and enhances my skills, confidence and mental outlook. Yes, there are the occasional obstacles, but that’s part of the challenge. I just pay attention. Decent cars are stupid expensive. Bikes are too, but I prefer two wheels, I actually feel safer on two, even in the rain, than I do in a car. Thanks, but no thanks.
Fellow motorcyclists, no matter how much experience and years on the road you have, take a MSF Course or Rider Safety Course of some kind in your area! We’re never too old to learn something new that might save your life or the lives of others. And whatever you do, don’t ride impaired!!
I always ride with the mindset that I am invisible and the drivers cannot see me.
This mindset has saved my bacon numerous times.
Even when you “make eye contact “ with the driver, they still may not “see” you.
Most people are programmed to see a car, a truck, a bus.
They do not see a motorcycle or a bicycle.
Wear Hi-Viz gear!!!
They still may not see you!