Summer has arrived, bringing motorcycles onto Wisconsin’s roadways. It is the responsibility of all road users to prioritize safety. Following safe driving and riding practices is crucial to …
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Summer has arrived, bringing motorcycles onto Wisconsin’s roadways. It is the responsibility of all road users to prioritize safety. Following safe driving and riding practices is crucial to prevent crashes on our roads.
The Wisconsin State Patrol’s June Law of the Month reminds drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and stay alert to reduce injuries and fatalities.
In the past five years, there have been roughly 2,000 motorcycle crashes per year in Wisconsin, resulting in an average of 1,700 injuries and 100 fatalities per year.
“Motorcycle riders are at higher risk of being hurt or killed in a crash,” said Superintendent Tim Carnahan. “There are simple steps both riders and drivers can take to keep everyone safe on our roads.”
Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash than other motorists and four times more likely to be injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Driving near motorcycles
Motorcycles are smaller than the average vehicle, so they can be harder to see on the roads and it’s easy to misjudge their speed and distance. Drivers are asked to use caution when traveling near motorcycles.
Drivers are encouraged to:
Riding safely
Sharing the road is a two-way street, so motorcyclists need to do their part to be visible and follow the same rules of the road as other vehicles. Safe riding practices help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on the roads.
Riders should consider the following:
Safe practices for all road users
The following are safe driving and riding practices that all road users—vehicle drivers and motorcyclists alike—should follow to help keep our roadways safe:
Training and education
Training and education are key to preventing motorcycle crashes and injuries. According to state law, you must be properly licensed with a Class M license or Class M Instruction Permit to legally operate a motorcycle on Wisconsin roads. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s partners provide rider courses to help motorcyclists earn their motorcycle license and improve rider skills.
If you are passionate about riding and want to teach others about motorcycle safety and how to ride, consider becoming a rider coach.