Motorcycle Safety Tips for Summer Travel in Montana

Montana’s scenic views make it an ideal place for motorcyclists to “hit the open road” when warm weather arrives and it is important to remember that we all share Montana’s roadways and safe behaviors like observing the speed limit, staying alert and only driving sober can mean the difference between a memorable summer ride and the tragedy of life lost on our roads.

Preliminary numbers for 2021 indicate there were 25 motorcycle fatalities in Montana, representing almost 12% of the total fatalities for the year. Of those fatalities, 16 were unhelmeted, or 64%. These numbers were down slightly from 2020, however, motorcyclists remain an at-risk group for crashes and fatalities in Montana.

“Motorcycles are some of the most vulnerable vehicles on the road,” said Jim Morrow, director of Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety (MMRS). “It is very important for drivers to remember that a motorcycle has all the rights of the road as any other motorist.”

Each spring, MDT coordinates annual media and messaging for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month (May) through National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) funds. These activities are an example of MDT’s “Education” focus area of Vision Zero –the goal of achieving zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana’s roadways. MDT and NHTSA offer the following tips to drivers and riders on how to safely share the road and prevent a fatal crash.

Tips for drivers:

• Stay Alert. Keep your full attention on driving and avoid distractions.

• Stay Back. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times and allow more follow distance—three to four seconds— when behind a motorcycle, which gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

• Stay Aware. Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections, and always signal your intent.

Tips for motorcycle riders:

• Stay Safe. Take a motorcycle safety course (http://motorcycle.msun.edu), never ride distracted, and wear reflective or brightly colored protective gear and a DOTcompliant helmet.

• Stay Visible. Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers. Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn. Use caution and slow down when approaching left turns or intersections.

• Stay Lawful. Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed. Observe speed limits, and never ride impaired.

In addition to these tips, keep in mind that Montana has a new law allowing the practice of lane filtering (see the call-out box below for more information). Drivers should also be aware of this change, and continue to look for motorcycles while keeping their full attention on driving. For more information on MDT’s Motorcycle Safety Program, contact Sheila Cozzie at 406-444-7301 or scozzie@mt.gov.