May is Motorcycle Awareness month |
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New Mexico Department of Transportation
30 April 2020
Drivers should expect more motorcyclists on the roads as the weather warms up
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marisa Maez
Communications Director, Department of Transportation
Marisa.maez@state.nm.us
(505)469-8243
SANTA FE – With warmer weather, more motorcyclists will be on the road which is why May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. A time to remind all drivers to share the road and all motorcyclists to wear helmets and practice other safety measures.
Motorcyclists are 28 percent more likely to die in a crash and five times more likely to be injured than drivers in passenger vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2019 there were 957 motorcycle crashes in New Mexico; 54 fatalities; 38 were not wearing helmets.
Safe riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways. Drivers must be aware, it may be hard to see motorcycles because of their small size making it difficult to judge their distance. Motorists should also be aware of motorcycle riding practices like downshifting and weaving to know how to anticipate and respond to them.
“Even the smallest momentary lapse in a driver’s awareness can result in the death of an unseen motorcyclist,” said Transportation Secretary Mike Sandoval. “By raising motorists’ awareness, both drivers and riders will be safer sharing the road.”
To keep everyone safe, the Transportation Department urges drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert. Additionally, motorcyclists are reminded to get the proper licensing, which includes passing a skills test, make yourself visible; use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets and always ride sober.
For more information visit www.nhtsa.gov/safety/motorcycles.