MEDIA RELEASE: May is Motorcycle Safety Month: Look Twice, Save a Life

Last Updated: 5/4/2026

Tioga County Public Health wants to remind everyone that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, urging all motorists and motorcyclists to work together to make our roads safer.

Motorcycles are an important part of our transportation system, but riders face unique safety challenges due to their size and exposure. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash and 4 times more likely to be injured.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), over 140 motorcyclists are killed each year in New York, and more than 4,500 motorcycle crashes occur annually. Most motorcycle crash fatalities occur between May and September, with over 90% involving male riders. Common contributing factors include speeding and alcohol use.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month reminds motorcyclists to take simple steps that save lives:

• Follow the posted speed limits and road signs
• Share the road and give motorcyclists space
• Look twice before changing lanes, turning, or pulling out into the road
• Avoid distractions and never drive impaired

Motorcyclists should always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant helmet, which is proven to reduce the risk of head injury and death.

Tioga County Public Health calls on our community to join in this effort to reduce crashes and protect lives by staying alert, avoiding distractions, and most importantly, sharing the road with motorcyclists. Every driver and rider plays a role in keeping our roads safe—look twice, give space, and respect all road users to ensure everyone arrives home safely.

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