MassDOT Reminds All Motorists Roadway Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

03:32PM / Saturday, March 22, 2025Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON —The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) have announced a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period from March 23 to April 30, 2025.

The announcement emphasizes the shared responsibility of roadway safety for all motorists. MassDOT urges vehicle drivers to exercise caution, particularly when changing lanes and making turns, by "looking twice" for motorcycles. Motorcycle operators are advised to wear visible clothing and adhere to speed limits.

Data from MassDOT's IMPACT crash data portal indicates 71 motorcycle operator fatalities in Massachusetts in 2024, a 22% increase from 58 fatalities in 2023. One motorcycle passenger fatality was also recorded in 2024.

The RMV promotes the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP), which offers training courses for motorcycle riders of varying experience levels. The program includes waiver courses such as the Basic Rider Course, Basic Rider Course 2, Returning Rider - Basic Rider Course, and 3 Wheel - Basic Rider Course, as well as non-licensing courses.

MassDOT has also released a series of public service announcement (PSA) videos featuring MassDOT employees who are licensed motorcyclists. These videos address common safety concerns and provide riding tips, including the importance of visibility, cautious riding, and anticipating potential hazards. The videos are available on MassDOT’s YouTube channel.

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Pittsfield Firefighters Knock Down Morningside Blaze

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:04PM / Friday, January 16, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Fire Department knocked down a two-alarm blaze in the Morningside neighborhood in less than an hour on Friday.

Just before 3 p.m., the department received a report of a fire at 25 Pine St. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said he arrived at the scene first and saw heavy fire showing from the rear of the more than 100-year-old home.

"We just went to work, pretty much," he explained.

"Because of the heavy volume of fire and the potential for a high number of occupants, I called a double alarm, which called all available Pittsfield firefighters directly to the scene. And I would say the fire was knocked down and under control within an hour."

Eight occupants were evacuating the home when firefighters arrived, and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. People, including the occupants, stood on the sidewalk and watched the scene unfold.

When iBerkshires arrived, firefighters were on the ladder, extinguishing the top level of the home from the side and rear.

There were five fire engines and one ladder truck. Hinsdale also came to assist, and Lenox and Dalton were called for standby.

Garner believes the building is salvageable and repairable, but recognized that the family won't be able to stay there tonight. An extended family appears to live in the home.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined; the Fire Investigation Division was on site. The Red Cross will provide assistance to the residents of the home.

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