LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – As the weather warms up, the Lincoln Police Department urges both riders and drivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety as motorcyclists return back to the streets.
LPD reports that speed remains the leading factor in fatal motorcycle crashes, stating that motorcycles are already harder for drivers to see, and high speeds make it even more difficult for drivers to accurately judge their approach.
Officers also shared that excessive speed not only increases the severity of a crash, but also reduces the reaction time for everyone on the road.
LPD offers the following advice for motorcyclists:
- Slow down. Speeding greatly increases your risk of a crash.
- Stay visible. Other drivers may not see you or correctly estimate your speed.
- Avoid weaving in and out of traffic. This is both dangerous and illegal. LPD reports that they have even seen low-speed fatal crashes caused by this behavior.
And this advice for drivers:
- Never assume a motorcycle’s speed. Take an extra moment to assess the situation before turning or changing lanes.
- Our brains default to assuming vehicles are traveling at the speed limit. Actively think about approaching motorcycles and their potential speed.
- Double-check before making left turns. Last year, one fatality was caused by a driver turning left in front of a straight-moving motorcycle.
In 2024, LPD reports there were two fatal motorcycle crashes in Lincoln — one caused by excessive speed and another in which a driver was charged with motor vehicle homicide after failing to yield.
If you’re under 21, helmets are required in Nebraska. If you’re older than 21, LPD recommends wearing eye protection and having completed a safety course, such as this course used by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Although you can ride without one, LPD always recommends wearing a USDOT-certified helmet for your safety.
Additionally, LPD urges people to use this form to request services related to traffic problems. The form is intended for persistent traffic concerns, not singular events or crashes. LPD emphasized the need to be highly specific about where and when people are having traffic issues while using this form.
People can expect to see more officers in cruisers and on motorcycles on the roads enforcing traffic laws in 2025, LPD shared. The department reportedly added two new officers in January and will add more this summer.
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