Patrol Focus on Motorcycle Safety in May during Motorcycle Awareness Week.

For Immediate Release:  May 6th, 2024

Contact: Lieutenant Bradley R. Bishop

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is bringing awareness to the potential increase of motorcycles on our roadways. May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol would like to remind motorcyclists to ride trained and sober. 

From 2019 to 2023, there were 19,544 traffic crashes involving motorcycles resulting in the death of 1,045 motorcyclists and 12 others. Another 5,770 motorcyclists were injured.  Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Summit, and Lucas counties accounted for 32 percent of the motorcycle crashes in Ohio.

“Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you're on two wheels or four, awareness and respect for fellow motorists are key to ensuring safe travels for everyone,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

Taking a training class, wearing safety equipment, and riding with proper endorsements will help you protect yourself and others. During the same period, 50 percent of at-fault motorcycle drivers involved in crashes had no motorcycle license endorsement.   

“This is the season for both motorcyclists and motor vehicle drivers to consider the unique traffic safety challenges as more motorcyclists take to the roads with the warmer weather,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Whether your chosen mode of transportation is a motorcycle or a motor vehicle, everyone has a part in safe motorcycling. As a motorcyclist, ensure a valid motorcycle endorsement, quality motorcycle training, and proper safety equipment. Also, remember to always ride sober. As a motorist, be aware that there are more motorcycles on the roads, and focus your attention on their surroundings when driving on Ohio’s roadways.”

Ohio law requires helmets for riders under 18 and riders with less than one year of motorcycle experience. Passengers on motorcycles must wear helmets when the driver is required to do so.

For more information visit www.motorcycle.ohio.gov. A statistical map detailing citations and other motorcycle-related information can be found here.