MassDOT Urges Motorists to Look Twice for Motorcycles, Promotes Safety Measures

BOSTON – As warmer weather brings more motorcyclists onto Massachusetts roadways, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is emphasizing motorcyclist safety and urging drivers to be vigilant in looking twice for motorcycles when pulling out onto roads and changing lanes. The agency also encourages motorcyclists to wear visible clothing, drive cautiously, and obey all traffic rules.

Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca noted that approximately four motorcyclists were killed each month on Massachusetts roads last year, adding that crashes can be prevented if drivers pay attention and motorcyclists follow traffic laws. Fiandaca urged all drivers to travel at or below the speed limit, drive sober, and remain hands-free.

Massachusetts saw 42 motorcycle fatalities in 2022, and preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate a nine percent increase in motorcycle fatalities in traffic crashes nationwide from 2020 to 2021.

Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie emphasized the need for motorcyclists to be properly educated, trained, and licensed. She encouraged riders to wear appropriate safety gear and helmets and strive for visibility on the road. The two most common roadway fatality crashes involving motorcyclists are single-vehicle crashes due to the driver failing to navigate a curve, and crashes involving left-turning vehicles striking motorcycles.

MassDOT encourages motorcyclists to participate in the state-sponsored Rider Education Program (MREP) to improve their skills and safety. In 2022, around 6,782 individuals took part in MREP and out-of-state rider training education programs.

The RMV has also posted a series of motorcycle safety videos featuring licensed motorcyclists who are MassDOT employees. The videos include safe driving tips, motorcycle training suggestions, and discussions of common safety issues facing motorcyclists on the road. The videos can be found on MassDOT's YouTube channel.