NMDOT News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) reminds all motorists May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
When weather warms up and riding conditions improve, motorcyclists are reminded to put safety first. A motorcyclist is far more likely to suffer serious injuries and even death than other motorists.
Motorcyclists are exposed to dangers other drivers don’t experience. Drivers often have difficulty seeing motorcyclists, which can lead to crashes and life-threatening injuries. Creating a protective barrier between the rider and other motorists is one way to stay safe.
According to the NMDOT’s Traffic Safety Division, in 2021, there were 300 motorcycles involved crashes in New Mexico: 54 of them were fatal. That is nearly 100 more crashes than in 2020 and double the fatalities.
“We have to look out for one another and make safety a priority on New Mexico roadways,” Acting Transportation Secretary Justin Reese said. “Motorcyclists have the same rights on the road as other motorists. Drivers and riders need to look for one another and share the road to reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and save lives.”
Tips for Motorcyclists
- Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
- Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
- Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
- Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
- Never ride while impaired or distracted.
Tips for motorists when sharing the road
- Observe all traffic signs, signals, and laws.
- Yield to Motorcyclists, especially in intersections.
- Avoid distractions, including dangerous cellphone use behind the wheel.
- Use turn signals when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Check all mirrors and blinds spots before changing lanes.
- Allow for more distance – beyond three to four seconds – when behind a motorcycle.
For more information on motorcycle safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles. To legally operate a motorcycle in New Mexico, a driver must have a valid license with a motorcycle endorsement.
New Mexico riders must pass a 50 multiple-choice question knowledge test as part of a required Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course if you are under 18. To sign up for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course (BRC) (successful completion waives both the MVD written and skills testing), visit the website at: https://www.nm-msp.org/ or call 505.312.8430 or 877.667.8880.
