Caution encouraged as motorcycles return to roadways

It’s spring, and among other things, that means that many motorcycle owners are returning to the road. The American Motorcycle Association is asking car and truck drivers to remember that motorcycles are out there in greater numbers than they are in winter.

“As the weather warms in large parts of the country, riders take to the road in increasing numbers to enjoy the thrill of riding,” wrote AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman in a press release.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen the roads become more dangerous for all users. That is why it is incredibly important for drivers to remain attentive and alert to the presence of motorcycles,” Dingman wrote. “Distracted driving and overreliance on driver-assistance technology are worrisome.”

Driver assistance technologies are still relatively new, the press release said, and drivers shouldn’t rely on them.

Rising fatality statistics are also concerining and indicate the need for extra vigilance regardless of the vehicle being operated, he wrote.