In 2018 Iowa had 42 motorcycle fatalities, and a local mother is advocating for drivers to be more aware of their surroundings and to increase safety. Ronda Ruenger lost her 26-year-old daughter Sherrena in a fatal motorcycle wreck five years ago. Sherrena was on her motorcycle when she was struck by an SUV and killed. Ronda, along with her husband Casey, advocate for accident prevention. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. She says that all drivers on the road can help make it safer, “So we talk a lot about the three-second rule. Before making a lane change or turns, to look twice because the motorcycles are harder to see because they’re smaller, And they’re harder to judge their distance, their speed and that. So take the three seconds to look twice, especially at high-risk areas like intersections, cross traffic, left-hand turns, lane changes, and coming on and off road ramps.”

She also reminds people that when you’re mowing your yards, do not put the grass into the street. The grass can make the street slick, decreasing traction for motorcycles. Ruenger also encourages motorcycle operators and passengers to wear full gear.