Two motorcyclists make their way from Living Hope Ministries, Warsaw, to the road during the Run for the Son event. Motorcyclists encourage drivers to look twice for motorcycles when turning or changing lanes, give them space to maneuver, avoid distracted driving, and a few other tips to keep roadways safe. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.
WARSAW — As the weather warms and skies clear every spring, motorcycles are out on Kosciusko County’s roadways.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows that in 2022, there were 6,218 motorcyclist fatalities, totaling 15% of all traffic fatalities.
With May officially designated as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, local motorcycle organizations are urging everyone on the road to pay attention and stay safe.
One such organization is American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, or ABATE.
“Our purpose is to teach safety. We have classes for inexperienced and experienced riders,” said Donnie Barton, ABATE’s Kosciusko County representative. Barton has been riding motorcycles since 1993 and is dedicated to making sure Indiana’s bikers ride safely and freely.
Another group on the county’s roads is the local Christian Motorcycle Association chapter, #1116. The chapter held its annual Run for the Son event in Warsaw Saturday, May 3. The motorcycle run raises money for the four ministries CMA supports.
Spreading the gospel through motorcycling is the group’s philosophy, but members also enjoy riding for its own sake.
“To just get out and enjoy nature as you’re going down the road, there’s no other experience like it,” said chapter president Troy Long.
In order to fulfill their missions and enjoy riding safely, Kosciusko County’s motorcyclists offer the following advice to drivers:
Safety Tips
• Look twice for motorcycles when turning or switching lanes.
• Treat motorcycles as if they are the size of a car, and give them appropriate space.
• While driving, do not get between motorcycles riding in a group.
• Do not throw items out car windows.
• Avoid distracted driving behaviors.
• Avoid mowing grass into the road.
A key safety concern is that motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road and can be hard to spot.
“Back in March, the weather got nice a little bit and bam, we had three accidents right off the bat.
Kosciusko County ABATE representative, Donnie Barton, is pictured with his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Barton has been riding motorcycles since 1993 and is dedicated to promoting motorcycle safety. Photo provided by Donnie Barton.
Most of the time it’s, ‘I didn’t see them,’” Barton pointed out. “Look one way, look back, look again.”
He also noted motorcyclists have a responsibility to make themselves visible with lights, reflectors and reflective gear.
Giving motorcycles space is vital because, as Long mentioned, “a motorcycle is smaller, it’s harder to judge the distance and speed they’re coming at you.”
Motorcyclists also need to avoid blockages in the road, like litter and roadkill,
so it’s important to give them room to maneuver.
“In a group, you don’t want to let cars get between because that creates a problem for both. Cars can’t turn, bikes can’t see,” Long explained.
“On a charity ride, cars get impatient. … Just give that extra minute or two waiting to let the group through rather than cutting into it,” added CMA member Anthony Blue.
As for items thrown out car windows, they can blow back and hit motorcyclists. Trash such as plastic bags can get caught on their faces or helmets and obscure their vision.
“We also need less distractions. … Driving a vehicle is probably the most dangerous thing people do every day and don’t consider it,” Long emphasized.
In 2023, distracted driving killed 3,275 people, according to NHTSA. Distracted driving behaviors include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking, but cell phone use is probably the most common distraction.
To avoid phone use while driving, pull over and park in a safe location before sending an urgent text, or assign a passenger to be the “designated texter” and respond to calls or messages.
If a cell phone is overly distracting, put it in the trunk, glove box or back seat during the drive.
And finally, like road obstructions, grass clippings pose a hazard. Motorcyclists recommend keeping grass off the road so their tires don’t slip on it.
“That can’t be preached enough, it’s almost like ice for a motorcycle,” said CMA member Michelle Blue.
For more information on ABATE and motorcycle safety classes, visit abateindiana.org. To learn more about CMA, visit cmausa.org or facebook.com/bloodboughtbikers.
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- Cathy and Gary Weaver of Claypool get ready to venture out on their bike at CMA Chapter #1116’s Run for the Son event Saturday, May 3. The run raises money for the four ministries CMA supports. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.
