Warm spring weather has arrived, and motorcyclists are eager to hit the road. As they tune their engines and prepare for numerous road trips to come, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind motorists and motorcyclists alike to “Watch for Motorcycles” in order to help prevent motorcycle crashes, deaths and injuries on Missouri roadways.

Preliminary reports indicate that 13 percent of all Missouri traffic fatalities in 2020 involved a motorcycle, with 117 motorcyclist lives lost, according to Jon Nelson, executive committee chair of the coalition.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers several tips to drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:
· Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
· Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
· Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
· Never drive distracted or impaired.

Motorcyclists also must take precautions to remain safe on the road by following several steps:
· Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
· Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed and trained.
· Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
· Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
· Never ride distracted or impaired.
· Anticipate the moves of other drivers and be extra cautious of road conditions and debris.

Motorcycle experts recommend motorcyclists also complete some type of training before getting out on the road. Beginning to advanced rider courses are available. You can find the one nearest you at www.mmsp.org.