May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and Thursday, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson kicked off the Michigan Department of State’s (MDOS) annual “Look Twice, Save a Life” safety campaign.
“As motorcyclists return to Michigan’s roads with the warmer weather, it’s a good time to remind every driver to take extra care and watch out for motorcycles,” Secretary Benson said. “Motorcycles can be hard to see, so remember to ‘Look Twice. Save a Life’. Staying alert and being aware will help keep us safe on the road all summer.”
There are more than 610,000 licensed motorcyclists in Michigan. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning Michigan Traffic Crash Facts (MTCF) website reports 3,056 Michigan motorcycle crashes in 2023, of which 165 were fatal. Complete data, including crash statistics for each county, is also available at the MTCF website.
According to MCTF, 84% of motorcycle crashes with another vehicle happen on busy streets, and most crashes with motorcyclists happen when vehicles are turning left. It is important for drivers to keep a watchful eye and to look twice before turning to reduce the chance of tragedy.
Most crashes with motorcyclists happen on the weekends, Friday through Sunday.
Secretary Benson encourages drivers to remain vigilant by slowing down, double-checking blind spots, and avoiding distractions when behind the wheel.
Funding for the “Look Twice. Save a Life.” campaign comes from the Motorcycle Safety and Education Awareness Fund, created by the Michigan Legislature in 2017. The fund is financed by $2.50 from each original motorcycle endorsement and $2 from each motorcycle endorsement renewal.
Driving tips and more information about the campaign are available online at Michigan.gov/LookTwice.
