COLUMBUS, Ohio — May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to stay observant on the road.
According to state statistics, from 2018 to 2022, there were 18,980 traffic crashes involving motorcycles, 953 of which were fatal. Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Summit, and Lucas counties accounted for 33 percent of all motorcycle crashes in Ohio.
“Riding a motorcycle is a great way to see the beauty of our state, and as the weather continues to warm up, we expect to see many more motorcyclists on the road,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “We are reminding motorists to look out for motorcycles while traveling, especially at intersections and while changing lanes.”
During the same time period, 50 percent of at-fault motorcycle drivers involved in crashes did not have a motorcycle endorsement on their license. “Ride responsibly, trained, and defensively,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol Superintendent. “This means riding with an endorsement, wearing proper safety equipment, all while obeying all traffic laws, and never riding impaired.”
To learn more about motorcycle safety and the rules and regulations of the road, visit www.motorcycle.ohio.gov