LAS CRUCES – May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and transportation officials across New Mexico are reminding drivers that sharing the road safely can save lives.
Motorcycles are smaller and often harder to see than passenger vehicles, especially in busy traffic or at intersections. Safety advocates say drivers should always check mirrors and blind spots carefully, use turn signals early, and maintain a safe following distance when traveling near motorcycles.
According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, motorcycle crashes remain a serious concern statewide. Recent state traffic safety reports show dozens of motorcyclists are killed each year on New Mexico roadways, even though motorcycles make up a relatively small percentage of total registered vehicles. Transportation officials say the risk of severe injury or death is significantly higher for motorcyclists because they lack the protection provided by passenger vehicles.
Officials also note that many crashes occur when drivers fail to see motorcycles while turning, changing lanes, or entering traffic. That is why awareness and attention behind the wheel are critical, especially during warmer months when more motorcycles are on the road.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is using Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to remind drivers and riders alike to share the road responsibly. Drivers are encouraged to stay alert, avoid distractions, and give motorcycles plenty of space, while motorcyclists are urged to wear protective gear, obey speed limits, and remain visible to other drivers.
The campaign message is straightforward: motorcyclists’ safety is everyone’s safety.
Information and safety messaging for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month are provided by the New Mexico Department of Transportation as part of its ongoing effort to reduce crashes and improve roadway safety across the state.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications, LLC – john@bravomic.com
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