May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office reminds vehicle drivers and motorists that safe driving and riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on roadways.

The number of motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes increased by 11% from 2019 to 2020 in the United States, to 5,579. That same year motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were four times more likely to be injured. As motorcyclists hit the road during these warmer months, Washington County Sheriff Jared Schneider urges drivers to observe all traffic laws and yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections, “Being alert and looking for them is probably the most important thing to do out there. You know a smaller vehicle like that is sometimes hard to see when you’re in a car, whether it’s just the smaller vehicle in itself or your blindspots on your vehicle.”

Drivers should always use a turn signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic, and allow more follow distance beyond three to four seconds when following a motorcycle. All operators on the road should drive alcohol and drug free. Schneider also encourages motorcyclists to wear an Iowa Department of Transportation-compliant helmet, and to ride with a valid license.