May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It has always been a high-risk month for motorcyclists; bikes have been sitting, rider’s skills are rusty, and other drivers forgot motorcycles exist. Since many riders will be pulling the covers off their machines for the first time in a while, it is a good time to remind ourselves about how we can help mitigate the risks associated with riding.
Here are some sobering statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2024, which represented 15 per cent of all traffic fatalities
- The fatality rate for motorcyclists was 27 times more than the passenger car occupant fatality rate in 2024, per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
- 37 per cent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2024 were speeding
- Motorcycle riders 15 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speeding involvement at 56 per cent in 2024
- Of the 2,125 motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2024, 40 per cent were impaired
The Right Attitude
Whether they’re willing to admit it or not, a rider’s skills get rusty over the winter. Reaction times become delayed without regular practice and it takes some time for muscle memory to return. Hopping on a bike after not riding for months isn’t at all like driving a car. Start slowly and work your way back up to speed. Ensure you have enough time to do a pre-ride inspection and take your time getting used to the controls again.
Ride Defensively
Don’t expect other motorists to see you or consider your safety. Driver’s aren’t expecting to see motorcyclists on the road and most are far too distracted with their phones to even notice them until it’s too late. Ride alert and drive defensively. Stay out of other vehicles’ blindspots
Ride Sober
The statistics are…sobering. Riding under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other narcotics dull reaction times and cause greater risk to the rider. If that isn’t enough of a deterrent, a DUI costs an average of $10,000 and can lead to jail time, loss of your license, and higher insurance rates. Plan ahead and either don’t drink, stay over, or leave your bike overnight and pick it up in the morning.
Consider Road Conditions
Unlike track slicks or mud/winter tires, most road-going motorcycle tires consist of a hard compound in order to prioritize longevity. This results in reduced grip when pavement is cold. Give tires a chance to warm up and consider a potentially lower level of traction when carrying speed through turns. Frost wreaks havoc on asphalt and concrete, creating potholes, craters, and deep cracks. Be sure to keep your eyes up on the road conditions ahead in case you need to maneuver in the lane to avoid. Depending on where you live, municipalities may scatter salt or sand on the roads during the winter months. Be mindful of such debris that may inhibit your ability to turn or brake safely.
Perform the T-CLOCS Inspection
T-CLOCS is an acronym developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to help you remember which parts of your motorcycle you should inspect before a ride. Take a walk around your bike, paying close attention to these essential components:
T (Tires and Wheels): Check the condition of your bike’s tires, looking for wear, bulges and objects stuck inside the tire itself. If the tire pressure looks low, add more air, especially when riding in cold weather. After the tires, inspect the wheels for bent and broken spokes along with cracks and dents in the rims. You should also look at the brake pads and discs for any wear, and familiarize yourself with maintaining and replacing motorcycle brakes.
C (Controls): Make sure the handlebars are straight and can turn freely. Similarly, levers should move easily and not hit the bodywork. If there is some tension, lubricate the cable or pivots. If there isn’t any tension at all, deeper inspection will be required to identify if cables or connections are worn or broken. Cables shouldn’t have any fraying or kinks. Hoses should not have any cuts, cracks, leaks, bulging, or deterioration.
L (Lights and Electronics): Check the battery and make sure all terminals are clean and tight. The headlight and tail/brake light should be in good working condition and securely fastened. These lights, along with the motorcycle’s mirrors, should all be clean and free of cracks. Ensure that the turn signals and switches are all operating correctly.
O (Oil and Fluids): Take a look and confirm that all of the bike’s fluid levels—including engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant and fuel—are at optimum levels for riding. Keep an eye out for any signs of leaks in the area where you store your motorcycle. Inspect the forks and area under the motorcycle to identify if there are leaks of any kind.
C (Chassis): Inspect the frame for any cracks or lifting paint. Ensure the front forks and rear suspension are working properly. There should be tension on the belt or chain, and the latter should be properly lubricated. Finally, make sure all fasteners are tightened and that there aren’t any missing bolts or nuts.
S (Stands): Before you mount up, take a look at the center and side stand, keeping an eye out for cracks or bending.
Gear Up
Wearing the right motorcycle safety gear is essential to protect you on your bike. You shouldn’t even think about hitting the road without a proper helmet, leather or textile armored jacket, gloves, jeans or riding pants, and boots. Wearing the proper safety gear can significantly reduce your risk of serious injury or harm in the event of a collision.
Confirm and Update Insurance Coverage
Motorcycle insurance is not a topic that is high on anyone’s list of favorite things, but you will sure wish you were properly covered if you happen to be involved in an incident, or your bike is stolen or damaged. The start of the riding season is a great time to review your insurance policy to see if you have the right level of coverage for you and your lifestyle. What you ride, where you ride, how far you ride, and how often you ride can all play an important role. You may find you are underinsured, or you could discover areas where you may be able to save some money.
Take it to the Track
If you are interested in experiencing the true performance potential of your motorcycle, public roads are not the place for it. Many racetracks offer training programs and open lapping days where you can improve your skills in a safe, controlled environment that is free from pedestrians, distracted motorists, and law enforcement.
Dustin Woods
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