LOOK TWICE, SAVE A LIFE: New York State advocates campaign for summer motorcycle safety

Nearly 200 people were killed in motorcycle crashes across New York State in 2023 and data suggests that nearly 20% of all traffic related fatalities statewide that year involved motorcycles.

With the summer season approaching quickly, officials with the DMV office are reminding drivers to ‘Look twice, save a life!’ as an increased presence of motorcycles on the road is expected.

Crashes that involve motorcycles continue rising, as there were over 4,600 such accidents in 2023, which represents nearly a 13% increase from the year before, according to the DMV.

“It is so important for everyone on the road to be aware of their surroundings and other drivers or pedestrians,” said New York’s DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder, who also heads the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

Based on thorough data analysis, the 21 – to 40-year-old age demographic is most likely to be involved in motorcycle crashes.

“The New York State Police is committed to promoting safety for all who share the road, including the growing number of motorcyclists traveling across our state each summer,” said State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.

GTSC offers these safety tips for motorcyclists:

1. Know your bike. Understand your motorcycle’s capabilities and limits including how it handles, stops and responds. Choose a bike that fits your level of riding expertise.
2. Check the weather. It is important to know what the riding conditions will be. Remember to check the conditions of your destination if you are traveling more than a few miles and know your limits for riding in adverse conditions.
3. Perform a pre-ride safety check. Ensure your lights and horn are working and both mirrors are adjusted. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have legal tread depth.
4. Remember, motorcycles maintain a smaller tire contact patch on the roadway when compared to other vehicles. Good traction is a key component to safe handling and braking.
5. Protect your melon. Always wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection. "Novelty helmets" are not approved and offer little protection to the rider in a crash. In fact, they are illegal to wear on New York roadways.
6. Always wear high-quality riding gear. It is designed to protect you during a fall. This includes over-the-ankle boots and full finger gloves with padding in addition to jackets and pants with armor protection at impact points.
7. Be conspicuous. Wear high-visibility vests, garments with reflective features and accessories to boost your visibility to other drivers.
8. Ride defensively. Defensive riding techniques can help keep you safe.
9. Allow adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Use the "two second" rule as a safety zone.
10. Maintain a high level of awareness. If you are tired, take a break to re-energize and boost your concentration.
11. Drive sober. Never ride impaired by alcohol or drugs.
12. Turn left with caution. Most crashes between cars and motorcycles involve turning left. If you are preparing to cross traffic or turn left, take a second look to make sure it is safe to proceed.
13. Let other motorists know your intentions. Signal when you turn with your directional lights or hand signals. Also, flashing your brake light periodically before you stop will alert drivers behind you to be cautious.

NYS DMV image.