The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is urging all motorists to be mindful of motorcycle safety after fatal crashes made headlines across the state this year.

In response to those crashes and as a reminder that motorcyclists remain on the roads well into the fall season, GTSC also released a motorcycle safety public service announcement imploring all drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe.

“From Bushwick to Buffalo, too many families have faced the pain of deadly motorcycle collisions this summer. All the more heartbreaking is that these crashes are preventable,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee at a press event at a rest area along I-87 in Saratoga County. “As drivers and riders share the road, they also shoulder the responsibility of keeping motorcyclists safe, and we want to remind everyone that fall riding is especially popular in New York because of our unmatched autumn foliage.”

Motorcyclists continue to be overrepresented in traffic-related fatalities nationwide. Despite representing only 3.5 percent of all registered motor vehicles, motorcyclists account for 15 percent of all traffic-related fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Preliminary numbers from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research show 66 deadly motorcycle crashes in New York so far this year – and numbers will only go up as data are reported.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “We want to remind all drivers to share the road and look twice for motorcycles before changing lanes or pulling out into traffic. We also want to remind motorcycle operators to use proper safety equipment and make sure they are visible to drivers. Everyone should obey vehicle and traffic laws and not operate distracted or under the influence. Those out on the roads can be assured the New York State Police will continue our commitment to improving highway safety through partnership, education and active enforcement." 

Kelsey Bevins, who lost his 19-year-old brother-in-law and fellow Essex County Sheriff’s Department officer, Brock Pynes, during an August 6 crash in North Hudson, is joining the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in urging safety ahead of an expectedly busy fall riding season.  

“As you rev up your engines and hit the road, remember Brock’s spirit. Ride as if every trip could be your last, not to be morbid, but to truly appreciate every moment you have. Because for those of us who knew and loved Brock, every day is a reminder of just how precious and fleeting life can be,” Bevins said. “Let’s commit to making the roads safer for everyone, and let’s carry forward Brock’s legacy – not just in our hearts, but in our actions.”

GTSC offers these safety tips for drivers: 

• Yield to motorcycles. Don't turn quickly in front of an oncoming motorcycle, as it may be traveling faster than it appears. 
• Give motorcyclists space. Leave a safe following distance. Motorcyclists may need to stop quickly or maneuver suddenly to avoid something in the road like a pothole that is dangerous to them but may not be to a vehicle.  
• Look twice. Check your mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes. Approach intersections with caution since motorcycles may be harder to see, and always look twice when turning left.  
• Pass with care. Never try to pass a motorcycle in the same lane, and remember that when you pass, the gust of wind that follows could cause the motorcycle to become unstable. Always use your turn signal before changing lanes, leave plenty of space when passing, and make sure you are several car lengths ahead of the motorcycle before returning to their lane.  
• Be a responsible driver. Observe and obey all traffic laws, signs and signals, and make sure that any items you are hauling are properly secured before driving. 
• Never drive distracted. Don't let cellphones and other activities distract you from your core mission — driving safely. 
• Drive sober. Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. Impaired driving is an indiscriminate killer with no demographic barriers.

New York 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. Motorcyclists can find a training course near them by visiting https://nysmsp.org/.   

GTSC also offers these safety tips for motorcyclists: 

• Know your bike. Understand your motorcycle’s capabilities and limits including how it handles, stops and responds. Choose a bike that fits your level of riding expertise.  
• Check the weather. It is important to know what the riding conditions will be. Remember to check the conditions of your destination if you are traveling more than a few miles, and know your limits for riding in adverse conditions.  
• 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. Remember, motorcycles maintain a smaller tire contact patch on the roadway when compared to other vehicles. 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" are not approved and offer little protection to the rider in a crash. In fact, they are illegal to wear on New York roadways. 
• Always wear high-quality riding gear. It is designed to protect you during a fall. This includes over-the-ankle boots and full-finger gloves with padding in addition to jackets and pants with armor protection at impact points. 
• Be conspicuous. Wear high-visibility vests, garments with reflective features and accessories to boost your visibility to other drivers.  
• Ride defensively. Defensive riding techniques can help keep you safe.  
• Allow adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Use the "two second" rule as a safety zone.  
• Maintain a high level of awareness. If you are tired, take a break to re-energize and boost your concentration. 
• Drive sober. Never ride impaired by alcohol or drugs.  
• Turn left with caution. Most crashes between cars and motorcycles involve turning left. If you are preparing to cross traffic or turn left, take a second look to make sure it is safe to proceed. 
• Let other motorists know your intentions. 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.

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 motorcycle web page. 

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

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