With warmer weather upon us, more motorcycles will be on the road. Motorists and motorcyclists should take extra care to share the road during this riding season.

 

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the automobile driver is usually responsible for car-motorcycle crashes. The most common reason drivers reported is that they did not see the motorcycle until it was too late to avoid. The cause in the majority of these accidents was that the automobile was making a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle.

 

Regardless, both parties should be aware of their surroundings. Motorcyclists should wear bright clothing, make careful turns while using their signals, and recognize potential blind spots. Motorists should double check their blind spots.

 

On average, there are 60 motorcycle fatalities a year in Massachusetts.

 

The Police Department joins the motorcycle association in asking for motorcyclists to "throttle down, when in town" because "not everyone enjoys the roar of the pipes." 

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Associaton has also donated banners that police have set up to remind both motorcyclists and motorists to take care. For more information and safety tips, visit the RMV website.