Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Urges Riders and Drivers To Be Aware, Slow Down And Drive Safely

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) are reminding drivers to be aware that there will be more motorcyclists sharing the road with them than ever before.

“As the weather warms, we’re seeing more and more motorcyclists on the roads throughout our great state, and sadly we’re also seeing more crashes between motorcycles and other vehicles, especially at intersections,” said New York State DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “I cannot stress enough how important it is for drivers and riders to slow down and to be aware of other vehicles on the road. I urge everyone, no matter what you’re driving, to look twice before turning or switching lanes. This is especially important when making a left turn, which is when most crashes occur. As our current motorcycle safety marketing campaign advises: Ride Safe New York!”

Between 2020 and 2025, motorcycle crashes in New York increased significantly, by 31 percent, according to data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), and riding at high speeds continues to be the number one contributing factor. An overwhelming majority – 92 percent – involve male riders. And, while representing only 3.5 percent of all registered vehicles in the US in 2024, motorcycle crash fatalities accounted for a disproportionate 16 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Motorcycle riders are vulnerable to the road and are involved in more fatal traffic crashes,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Each year, almost 5,000 motorcyclists are treated and released from an Emergency Department due to motorcycle-related injuries, an additional 1,200 are hospitalized, and nearly 200 died from their injuries. We are proud to partner with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for this important campaign reminding all New Yorkers that safe riding and driving practices are a shared responsibility to ensure we all make it home safely.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “As the weather gets warmer, drivers should keep an eye out for motorcycles, making sure to look twice before changing lanes or pulling out into traffic. We encourage motorcycle operators to wear an approved helmet and ride in a way that ensures they are clearly visible to others. Those out on the roads can be assured the New York State Police will continue our commitment to improving road safety through our partnership with the Department of Motor Vehicles, education and active enforcement."

As part of the awareness month, GTSC and the New York State Department of Health have launched campaigns to get the message out to ‘Ride Safe New York.’ The campaigns, targeting men from 21 to 40 who have been shown to be most likely to be involved in a motorcycle crash, will include social media posts, streaming video and audio ads, as well as billboards and placements at bus shelters, gas stations and convenience stores in an effort to reach riders of all levels of experience but particularly younger riders. These campaigns will continue into August.

GTSC offers these tips for motorcycle safety:

• Know your bike. Understand your motorcycle’s capabilities and limits, including how it handles, stops and responds.  
• Check the weather in all the locations you plan to ride.
• Perform a pre-ride safety check. Ensure your lights and horn are working and both mirrors are adjusted. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have legal tread depth. Good traction is a key component to safe handling and braking.
• Protect your melon. Always wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection. "Novelty helmets" offer little protection and are illegal to wear on New York roads.
• Always wear high-quality riding gear that is designed to protect you during a fall.  
• Be conspicuous. Wear high-visibility garments with reflective features and accessories to boost your visibility to other drivers.
• Ride defensively and allow adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Signal when you turn with your directional lights or hand signals. Also, flashing your brake light periodically before you stop will alert drivers behind you to be cautious.
• Maintain a high level of awareness by driving sober. If you are tired, take a break to re-energize and boost your concentration.
• Turn left with caution. A significant contributing factor for crashes between cars and motorcycles involves turning left. If you are preparing to cross traffic or turn left, take a second look to make sure it is safe to proceed.

Just as important, GTSC offers these tips for motorists:

• Watch for motorcycles. Be aware of motorcycles sharing our roadways during all seasons, but particularly during the spring and summer months when riding is most popular. Allow for adequate space in front of, next to, and behind motorcyclists.
• Yield to motorcycles — don't make a rash decision and turn quickly in front of an on-coming motorcycle as it may be traveling faster than it appears! Failure of a motorist to yield to a motorcycle remains the leading contributing factor in two-vehicle motorcycle crashes.
• Look Twice and Save a Life! Check your mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes. Also, when negotiating busy intersections, look twice for motorcycles before proceeding safely! They have a smaller frontal area and may be difficult to see.
• Be a responsible driver. Ensure your vehicle is in safe operating condition and that your safety equipment is properly adjusted. Observe and obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
• Stay focused on the road and your surroundings. Never drive distracted. Don't let cell phones and other activities distract you from your core mission — driving safely!
• Drive sober. Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs and discourage others from doing so.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee will once again sponsor the annual Americade motorcycle festival in Lake George (May 27-30), which is the largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally in the country. During the festival, GTSC will sponsor the popular Slow Drive competition and will share important safety information with riders and other drivers, reminding them that safety is their hands.

New York State has a rider-funded motorcycle safety training and awareness program known as the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP). The program uses a nationally recognized motorcycle training curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The courses teach effective turning, braking maneuvers, tips to avoid obstacles, strategies in traffic, how to select appropriate protective apparel and vehicle maintenance. Riders who complete the course successfully do not need to take a motorcycle road test.

DMV is proud to report a 135% increase in participation in motorcycle training from 2025 to 2026. Warmer weather and increased ability for participation have resulted in increased uptake in this life saving training course that is available statewide.

Also, motorcyclists should be aware of a new point system instituted statewide in February 2026. These changes will strengthen the state’s ability to keep persistently dangerous drivers off the roads and protect everyone else who drives, rides, walks, or bikes in communities across the state. Here is a link to learn about the changes.

To learn more about owning a motorcycle, visit DMV’s motorcycle manual web page.

For motorcycle safety information, visit the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee's page on motorcycle safety and awareness and the State Health Department’s website at health.ny.gov/motorcycles.

Learn more about the GTSC, or follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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