FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) – There are more than 629,000 licensed motorcycle operators in Michigan. When it comes to keeping them safe, it takes a team effort from everyone on the road.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in deadly traffic crashes.
The Vehicle City Harley-Davidson in Flint offers the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy Program, which teaches motorcycle safety.
“Makes us all think about getting back out for the riding season, things we can do as motorcycle enthusiasts to make ourselves safer so that we can enjoy the ride for years to come,” said Justin Johnson, assistant sales manager.
Johnson has spent over 500,000 miles on his motorcycle.
“We teach a lot about lane positioning. Putting yourself in the right spot of the lane so that your more visible to cars not only coming at you, but those vehicles around you. Wearing high-visibility clothing helps. Bright-colored motorcycles can sometimes help. Some people say loud pipes are a plus when it comes to being more visible and aware to those around you,” Johnson said.
During this time of year, Johnson said everyone needs to look out for motorcycles.
“People in cars need to watch for us. No different than you have to watch for other vehicles on the road. Watch for us riding because we don’t have the protection around you that a car does and we’re more vulnerable. Watch out for us and give us a little bit of extra space if you see us on the road,” Johnson said.
Johnson tells TV5 he’s had a few close calls himself.
“It’s how you react to them, and making sure you’re properly prepared to adapt to an emergency situation safely that really can make all of the difference,” Johnson said.
According to the State of Michigan, the majority of motorcycle crashes with other vehicles takes place on local streets with speed limits between 35 and 55 miles per hour.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in 2023, more than 6,300 motorcyclists were killed, around 15% of all traffic deaths.
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