Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

“Discover Wisconsin” host Emmy Fink sits on the back of a motorcycle with Managing Director Greg Smith at Sven’s Bluff in Peninsula State Park.

May is national Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, so the Wisconsin State Patrol is asking motorcyclists and all other motorists to remain alert and share the road.

“Motorcycle crashes often occur when a car or truck driver changes lanes, turns left or pulls out in front of a motorcycle,” said Wisconsin State Patrol Captain Ryan Chaffee. “Because of their smaller profile, it’s easy to misjudge a motorcycle’s speed and distance. That’s why we’re reminding motorists to always look twice at approaching motorcycles.”

Failure to yield the right of way to another vehicle can result in a $175 citation, but penalties are much more severe if the violation results in injury or death. In 2018 in Wisconsin, there were 2,074 motorcycle crashes, 1,678 motorcyclists injured and 81 motorcycle fatalities. Motorcyclists can do their part by getting properly licensed, wearing visible and protective equipment, and carefully scanning ahead for potential hazards such as gravel, debris or wildlife in the roadway.