But it’s easy to overlook them due to their size and profile. To keep everyone safe, Michigan motorists are urged to always remain aware of motorcyclists and keep in mind the following:
The Michigan Secretary of State’s office urges drivers to explore this website for tips on how to share the road with motorcyclists — and to look twice and save a life.
Issue: Motorcyclists are closer than they appear. Their speed and distance are difficult for drivers to judge, especially at intersections.
Tip: Always keep a watchful eye and look twice at intersections before you turn or pull out.
Issue: Many drivers count on hearing motorcyclists to be aware of their presence, but you can’t always hear them, especially when they are oncoming.
Tip: Don’t just rely on your ears. Practice remaining alert at all times.
Issue: Many motorcyclists slow down by downshifting, which won’t activate the brake light. This can be dangerous if you don’t allow yourself extra space when following a motorcyclist, particularly on busy city streets.
Tip: Keep your distance when following a motorcyclist.
Issue: Motorcyclists can easily get lost in one of your vehicle’s blind spots, especially when you attempt to merge, change lanes or turn.
Tip: Know where your blind spots are and double-check them often — paying special attention to the A-pillar blind spot.
Issue: Most crashes occur when a vehicle driver turning left fails to notice an oncoming motorcyclist. Intersections are one of the biggest dangers for motorcyclists, as their smaller size causes them to be overlooked by other drivers.
Tip: Be cautious at intersections and make sure to look twice before turning, especially left.
Issue: Failing to notice or recognize motorcyclist hand signals can lead to crashes. Motorcyclists use hand signals to let vehicles know their intentions on the road.
Tip: Know their signals — a right turn is signaled by a left arm raised, a left turn by the left arm straight out to the side and a stop by the left arm downward.
Issue: 84% of motorcycle-vehicle crashes happen on streets, not highways. A common misconception is that most crashes involving motorcyclists and vehicles occur on highways. Data shows that a large majority take place on city streets where a lot of vehicles are in motion.
Tip: Be aware that most motorcycle-vehicle crashes happen on streets.
Issue: Distracted driving takes your attention away from the road. Common distractions are handheld mobile devices, GPS devices, eating, drinking or reaching for an object.
Tip: Wait until you reach your destination to interact with a mobile device, eat or drink. Keep in mind Michigan’s hands-free law states a driver cannot hold or support a phone or other device with any part of their hands, arms or shoulders while driving.
Michigan Department of State's "Look Twice" online toolkit.
Tip sheet to download and share.
Test your knowledge about motorcycle-vehicle crashes in Michigan.
This map provides detailed information about Michigan motorcycle-vehicle crashes, so you can see where they happen in your area.
