As warmer weather returns, more motorcycles are hitting the roads across Ohio—and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding both drivers and riders to stay alert and share the road.
Officials say safety is a shared responsibility, especially since motorcycles offer little protection in a crash compared to standard vehicles.
“By staying mindful of your surroundings and choosing to drive responsibly, you can help make the roads safer for everyone,” said Mike DeWine.
According to Patrol data, there have been nearly 20,000 motorcycle-involved crashes in Ohio over the past five years. Of those, more than 1,000 were fatal, resulting in over 1,080 motorcyclist deaths.
Colonel Charles A. Jones says troopers will be watching closely for dangerous driving behaviors.
“The Patrol’s goal is for every trip to end safely,” Jones said. “That means enforcing speed limits and making sure drivers are not distracted or impaired.”
Officials say motorcycle riders can improve their safety by taking training courses, wearing proper protective gear, and ensuring they have the correct license endorsement.
Ohio law requires helmets for riders under 18 and for those with less than one year of riding experience. Passengers must also wear helmets when those rules apply to the driver.
The Patrol encourages anyone who sees reckless or impaired driving to report it by safely dialing #677.
