Motorcycle Ohio Reminds Motorcyclists to Ride Safely as they Take to the Streets

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) –May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month – a time to remind drivers that more motorcycle riders will be on the road now that we are entering Ohio’s warmer months. 

Officials from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), and Motorcycle Ohio joined together today to remind motorists that motorcycle safety is the responsibility of both motorcyclists and other drivers.

Drivers should remember to give motorcyclists a full lane of travel; look for motorcyclists on the highway, at intersections, and any time you are changing lanes; and always leave plenty of space between your vehicle and any motorcyclists driving in front of you.

“Now is a great opportunity to remind motorcyclists to ride SMART (Sober, Motorcycle Endorsed, Alert, Right Gear, and Trained),” said Charlie Norman, Registrar of Ohio BMV.  “With over 400,000 registered motorcycles on Ohio’s roadways, all Ohio drivers, no matter their mode of transportation, should always stay aware and alert.”

In 2021, there were more than 4,000 motorcycle-related crashes on Ohio roads in which more than 200 people were killed.

In addition to raising awareness about motorcycle safety, Motorcycle Ohio presented the Saved by the Helmet award to Joe Burgi (Lewis Center).  Burgi was involved in a serious crash and credits the use of his helmet with saving his life.