Motorcycle use is on the rise in Missouri and those numbers tend to increase during warmer weather.  This is national Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. All motorists are  reminded to watch for motorcycles and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe, while motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other motorists. 

In 2008, there were 332,225 motorcycle operators  in Missouri. In 2010, that number had grown to 356,183. Fatalities have jumped around in that same period, going from 107 in 2008 to 84 in 2009 and 93 in 2010. Disabling injuries, however,  are on a steady decline with 750 in 2008 to a low of 591 in 2010. 

Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle occupants in crashes. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in traffic crashes. 

Very often, drivers of cars and trucks don’t see motorcycles, not until the last second, or sometimes not at all. Motorcycle operators have to anticipate the moves of other drivers and be extra cautious of road conditions and debris. 

Motorcycle experts recommend motorcyclists also complete some type of training before getting out on the road. There are 26 training locations in Missouri. You can find the one nearest you at www.mmsp.org.