"Look twice save a life!" May is motorcycle safety awareness month

JACKSON, TENN (WNBJ)-

Now that it’s warming up more motorcyclists are on the roads. May has been designed as motorcycle safety awareness month to encourage drivers to look out for motorcycles.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office to promote motorcycle safety awareness month.

“It's that time of year again when motorcycles hit the road in droves and making people aware that, you know, they're a smaller vehicle, there's not much occupant safety with motorcycles. And it's just a way for us to bring awareness to it to reduce crashes," said Sergeant Richard King of the Madison County Sheriffs Office.

Whenever you're driving in the car and you want to change lanes, make sure to look twice and save a life.

Pierce Hicks is a motorcyclist who knows all too well the dangers of drivers not paying attention to cyclists , “I've been in my lane driving speed limit, and, you know, there's some people recklessly driving, not looking where they're going or just in a hurry. Um, almost pushed me off the road. I've had to slow my brake several times”

Pierce is grateful that he hasn’t been seriously injured, others have not been so lucky, "I know several people who've gotten pushed off the road. And, um, specifically, some people have lost their legs because of it, because someone just, you know, doesn't look over the shoulder,” he said.

Many lose their lives due to drivers not paying attention. According to the U.S Department of Transportation in 2020, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in crashes.

Bumpus Harley-Davidson in Jackson offers a three-day state certified motorcycle safety course, called the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy.

“It's not just for new riders, so, I recommend this course for anyone who has never taken one before. Whether you've got a million miles under your belt or you're just brand new, it will teach you something that's liable to save your life and it'll also make you a better driver as well," said Scott Bumpus the owner of Bumpus Harley-Davidson.

Motorcycle riders agree that safety should also be top priority for those travelling on two wheels,

“There's so much awareness you have to have on a motorcycle because a lot of people aren't aware. You have to be looking so far ahead of you, all around you," Hicks said.

And there's plenty car and truck drivers can do while sharing the road with motorcycles.

Hicks said, “Look over your shoulder. When you're changing lanes, it's really easy… just be aware. Stay off your phone.”

Sergeant King said, "Another tip is to allow the following distance, two to 4 seconds. You know, if the car is behind a motorcycle, create that distance, don't get right up on them.”

Experts agree when you're out on the road this spring and summer make sure you look twice for motorcycles, because you could save a life.