Warmer weather brings increased need for motorcycle awareness
By Kendra Simpson
As temperatures warm up for summer, motorcyclists will be out in greater numbers, meaning drivers and bikers alike need to keep a watchful eye.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and according to the Missouri Department of Transportation, 175 motorcyclists were killed on Missouri Highways in 2023 alone, a 14% increase from the previous year. Five of those deaths were in Buchanan County.
These deaths were due to speeding, riding without a helmet, reckless behavior, inebriated driving or simply not paying attention to the driver’s surroundings, MoDOT said.
“This time of year, or any time of the year, share the road with motorcycles,” said Sgt. Shane Hux with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H. “When you pull up to a stop sign or red light, and if you’re going to make a turn or even proceed, just always take that extra second to look for motorcycles, know that they’re out there and be aware of them.”
Motorcyclists also have to keep their own safety in mind. Driving inebriated, distracted or recklessly increases the possibility of a serious or fatal injury in a crash.
“It’s important for all motorcycle operators to obey all traffic laws and never drive while impaired,” Hux said. “We always recommend that every motorcycle operator wear a helmet for their protection.”
The Missouri Helmet Law requires all riders under 26 years of age must wear a helmet, but those 26 or older are not required to so long as they have health insurance. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that helmet use reduced the risk of death by 37%.
When purchasing a helmet, the Missouri State Highway Patrol suggests searching for the Department of Transportation certification sticker on the back of helmets. This certification signifies that the helmet meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
