Oklahoma City—As motorcycle riders gather to participate in the 18th Annual Ride to Remember run in remembrance of the Oklahoma City bombing three decades ago, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office and motorcycle safety advocates remind riders on motorcycle safety for the run and motorcycle season.
Helping drivers and riders share the road safely are crucial priorities for the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office.
“Being hit by a semi-truck going 60 miles per hour while riding a motorcycle is not something you expect to survive. I did,” said Oklahoma Highway Safety Director Paul Harris, whose crash occurred in September 2020. He survived because of his protective gear, including wearing a helmet.
Each year motorcyclists are overrepresented in traffic crashes. According to NHTSA data, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2022, representing 15% of total highway fatalities for that year in the United States. It is essential that riders and drivers both pay critical attention to their driving habits and to each other while out on the roads.
Vehicle drivers and motorcyclists can help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on America’s roadways by:
- Observing all traffic laws and obeying the speed limit.
- Driving and riding alcohol- and drug-free.
- Avoiding distractions while driving or riding.
- Yielding to motorcyclists especially when drivers are turning at intersections.
- Wearing high-visibility protective gear and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets while riding. Learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet at www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet.
Like seat belts, wearing DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets can save lives and reduce injuries. NHTSA data estimates that helmets saved 1,872 motorcyclists’ lives in 2017 and that 749 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn their helmets.
One other significant step that motorcycle riders can take toward promoting road safety for all motorists is completing a rider education and training course.
For more information on motorcycle safety and finding a motorcycle course, visit oklahoma.gov/highwaysafety.
About the OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE: As a division of the Department of Public Safety, OHSO’s vision is to create and maintain an environment where Oklahoma roadways are safe for everyone. Through strategic partnerships with law enforcement and nonprofits across the State, OHSO develops and supports programs that enforce traffic laws, educate the public on traffic safety and provide varied and effective strategies to reduce fatalities, injuries and economic loss.
Established by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1967, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office works closely with local, state, and federal partners to combat the increase in the number and severity of traffic crashes and fatalities.
The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.
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