NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – As summer weather rolls around, mopeds, motorcycles, and other smaller vehicles may start populating the roadways. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and state law enforcement said it’s not just those behind the handle-bars that need to be cautious but drivers as well.
For drivers, keeping almost double the distance away from the rider can keep both parties safe on the road. For both riders and drivers, make sure the brake lights, fog lights, and other signaling mechanics on the bike are working properly.
Although riding can be an enjoyable experience, officials said to keep an eye out for vehicles with bigger blind spots.
“I’m always thinking that the vehicle coming towards me is either going to come into my lane turn in front of me, I’m ready. I’m either going to get behind them, far enough where they can see me in their review mirror, far enough ahead of them, or I’m not going to stay on the side of them. There’s a lot of blind spots on these bigger vehicles and a motorcycle again is a very small statured vehicle it’s hard to see sometimes,” commented Michigan State Police Lt. Mark Giannunzio.
Michigan State Police troopers mentioned that although helmets are not required by law, they highly recommend as much safety gear as possible.
