Motorcycle safety awareness when riding or sharing the road saves lives

SANTA FE – Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May reminds New Mexicans of the importance of staying safe as they ride or share roads with motorcycles as the spring and summer riding season is now underway.

“It’s job one on New Mexico roads for both motorcyclists and drivers to share the road safely. Stay alert for both fellow commuters and traffic hazards” said Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Patrick M. Allen.  

During the recently completed New Mexico Legislature,House Memorial 45 declared May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the state as it’s also designated nationwide by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the DOH Office of Injury and Violence Prevention and the NHTSA: 

• 55% of motorcyclists who died in a crash in our state in 2020, the most recent data year available, were not wearing a helmet 
• Motorcycle crashes involving another motor vehicle have led to nearly half of all motorcyclist deaths nationwide. 
• In 2020, per vehicle mile traveled in the United States, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured. 

“House Memorial 45 emphasizes the importance of proper motorcycle training, helmet use and adherence to traffic laws,” said New Mexico Department of Transportation (DOT) Traffic Safety Division Director Jeff Barela. “Motorcyclists are their own culture, and they are passionate about riding. In turn, the DOT and DOH are equally as passionate about motorcycle awareness which could prevent serious injuries and save lives.”   

As part of Motorcycle Awareness Month, the state’s health and transportation departments recommend the following steps to stay safe:  

For motorcyclists 

• Complete rider education courses and obtain a current motorcycle license 
• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear 
• Follow the speed limit and adhere to all traffic safety signs, signals, and laws 
• Signal properly to other drivers 
• Never ride while impaired or distracted 

For other drivers when sharing the road

• Observe all traffic signs, signals, laws and adhere to the posted speed limit 
• Yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections 
• Avoid distractions, including dangerous cellphone use behind the wheel 
• Use turn signals when changing lanes or merging with traffic 
• Check all mirrors and blinds spots before changing lanes 
• Give more distance when driving behand a motorcyclist than other passenger vehicles 

For more information on motorcycle safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles. 

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La seguridad de los motoristas al circular o compartir la carretera salva vidas