For National Motorcycle and Bike Safety Awareness Month, here are safety tips for drivers, motorcyclists and bicyclists

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May is National Motorcycle and Bike Safety Awareness Month, and state officials are reminding Kentuckians to look out for one another – whether on two wheels or four.

“We’re entering the warmer months, which typically means more motorcycles and bicycles on our roadways,” Gov. Andy Beshear. “Safety is a mutual responsibility and we encourage all road users to do their part in making sure everyone makes it to their destination safely – every trip, every time.”

The state Transportation Cabinet points out that a motorcycle or bicycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any motor vehicle though it may be in the blind spots of cars, trucks and SUVs.

“We’re asking motorists to take simple yet important actions when behind the wheel,” Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said. “Taking the extra step of looking twice at intersections and before changing lanes or making turns could be the difference between life and death for a motorcyclist or bicyclist.”

In 2022 motorcycle crashs in Kentucky caused 1,198 injuries and 99 deaths (all of them motorcyclists). Of the 1,575 crashes, 824 involved a motorcycle and at least one other vehicle.

Bicyclists' crashes resulted in 229 injuries and 13 deaths. Of the 344 crashes, 340 involved at least one other vehicle.

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety offers drivers these tips:

• Put the phone down and pay attention. Driving while distracted increases risk for all road users;
• Perform a regular visual check by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections;
• Use a turn signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic to alert others of your intentions;
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a mo­torcycle. Motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;
• Obey the speed limit. Driving at the posted limit allows you to see, identify and react to possible obstacles;
• Drive sober. Alcohol and drugs affect judgment, balance and reaction time. Always make a plan for a safe ride home;
• Buckle up. Wearing a seat belt gives you the best protection against injury and death;
• Allow at least a three-second following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you;
• Do not use designated bike lanes for parking, passing or turning; and
• Pass to the left of a bicycle, allowing at least three feet clearance.

The office offers these tips for motorcyclists:

• Wear a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet;
• Use turn signals for every turn or lane change, and combine with hand signals;
• Wear brightly colored protective gear and use reflective tape and stickers to increase visibility;
• Position in the lane where most visible to other drivers;
• Pay attention by avoiding any action that takes your eyes, your ears or your mind off the road and traffic;
• Obey the speed limit. Driving at the posted limit allows you to see, identify and react to possible obstacles;
• Ride sober. Alcohol and/or drugs can impair your judgment, coordination and reaction time;
• Take a rider training course. Find information at www.ride.ky.gov.

And these tips for bicyclists:

• Ride in the same direction as traffic;
• Wear a properly-fitted helmet that meets that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards;
• Use hand signals when changing lanes or turning;
• Wear brightly colored protective gear and use reflective tape and stickers to increase visibility;
• Pay attention by avoiding any action that takes your eyes, your ears or your mind off the road and traffic;
• Scan ahead for possible obstacles in your path, such as parked cars or cars pulling out or into parking spaces or driveways;
• Check your equipment before riding. Make sure your brakes are working and tires are properly inflated;
• Never ride when impaired. Alcohol and/or drugs can impair your judgment, coordination and reaction time.