May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation would like to remind riders of safety courses they offer throughout the summer for new riders and folks who might just want to strengthen their skills.
As the weather warms up, we’re seeing more motorcycles return to our roadways. It is crucial for both riders and other drivers to exercise extreme caution and share the road responsibly.
“Motorcycle safety is important for new riders because they face a learning curve where mistakes carry high consequences,” Tara Grube, WYDOT motorcycle safety, said.
To legally operate a motorcycle in Wyoming, a special endorsement on your driver’s license is required. WYDOT offers multiple motorcycle safety classes across the state to help riders achieve this.
“Motorcycle safety courses are held from May all the way through October, weather depending,” Grube said. “You can enroll in a WYDOT motorcycle safety basic rider course, which includes a 5-hour online course and approximately 11 hours of on-cycle training over two days.”
From 2020-2024, 58% of motorcycle fatalities in Wyoming were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Proper riding gear plays an important role in reducing injury severity. Before every ride, make sure you are wearing a DOT-compliant helmet full-coverage high-visibility jackets, full-fingered gloves, riding pants and riding boots.
“Because motorcycles are less visible, and react differently to the road hazards than cars, drivers must be proactive and anticipate the riders needs to ensure mutual safety,” Grube said. “Look twice at intersections. Check your blind spots thoroughly. Anticipate braking without lights, respect the right lane and expect mid lane maneuvers….. Look twice, save a life.”
With a safe driving tip for all of us, here’s Grant Lawson
When the light turns green it’s tempting to go immediately, but waiting a moment can save your life and the lives of others on the road.
Taking the time to look both ways before proceeding through the intersection can protect you from any drivers who think they can make it through a changing yellow light. It will also give you a chance to double check for any emergency vehicles you may not have heard. Trying to time a red light change to green can be a dangerous game. So always choose safety when approaching an intersection.
