Michigan motorists are urged to remain aware of motorcyclists at all times to keep everyone safe. Most motorcycle-vehicle crashes occur on city streets, not on highways. Motorcyclists are hard to see and often are overlooked because of their size and profile. The Michigan Secretary of State’s Office urges drivers to explore this website for tips on how to share the road with motorcyclists. Look Twice. Save a Life.
Motorcyclists are hard to see. Knowing where to expect them can help you become safer and more confident on the roads during warm-weather months when most motorcyclists take to the streets. When you watch for motorcyclists, see more than the motorcycle, see the person under the helmet. They may be your friend, neighbor or relative. Here are some tips to help you remain aware of motorcyclists and keep everyone safe.
Most crashes with motorcyclists occur when vehicle drivers are turning left. Intersections are one of the biggest dangers for motorcyclists. Their smaller size causes them to be overlooked by other drivers. Make sure to look twice before turning, especially to the left.
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.
Their speed and distance are difficult for drivers to judge, especially at intersections. Keep a watchful eye at all times. Look twice at intersections before you turn or pull out.
Keep all devices out of reach while driving so you won’t be tempted to look at them – even when you’re stopped at intersections. Other distractions that can take your attention away from the road? GPS devices, eating, drinking or reaching for an object all can take your eyes and your mind off the road.
Many drivers count on hearing motorcycles to be alert of their presence. You can’t always hear motorcycles, especially when they are oncoming. So, practice remaining alert at all times.
Double-check your blind spots. It’s probably no surprise that motorcyclists can get lost in a vehicle’s blind spot. Be extra cautious when merging or changing lanes.
Keep your distance. Many motorcyclists slow down by downshifting, which won’t activate the brake light. Allow yourself extra space when you’re following a motorcyclist, particularly on busy city streets.
Know their signals. Motorcyclists often use hand signals, similar to bicyclists, to let others know their intentions on the road. 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.
The "Look Twice" online toolkit was developed for use by driver education providers and instructors as an extension of the Michigan Department of State's "Motorcyclists Are Hard to See. Look Twice. Save a Life." public education campaign.
Motorcyclists are hard to see. Look Twice. Save a Life. Tip sheet to download and share containing much of the information on this website.
Test your knowledge about motorcycle-vehicle crashes in Michigan. Knowing where most collisions with motorcyclists occur can help you become safer and more confident on the roads during warm-weather months when more motorcycles are on the roads.
More than 7,648 motorcycle-vehicle crashes occurred in Michigan from 2017 to 2021. Many drivers mistakenly believe most crashes with motorcyclists happen on highways. But, in reality, 84% of motorcycle-vehicle crashes happen on city streets, not highways. Furthermore, most of these crashes happen when a vehicle driver is turning left.
Some areas have higher motorcycle-vehicle crash rates than others. Knowing where they have occurred will help all road users to be more alert and safer. This map provides detailed information about Michigan motorcycle-vehicle crashes, so you can see where they happen in your area.
