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Although there’s snow on the ground from this winter, and it’s still a little cold, many motorcyclists have already been on the roads, taking advantage of brief periods of warmer weather and sunshine.Unfortunately, drivers still have their windows up, radios and heaters blasting, and over the past couple of months, have been more alert for plow trucks and sanders, not for joggers, bicyclists, and motorcycles. Adding to the confusion, riders are shaking off their winter cobwebs and are focusing on avoiding winter potholes as opposed to watching for sandy roads and other vehicles that aren't used to seeing them. Indeed, the news has already been full of reports of motorcycle crashes, and even more sadly, fatalities this season - and it's not even officially spring yet.
20 years ago, your Massachusetts Motorcycle Association worked with the Commonwealth to establish this annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period. Working as a team, your MMA Board of Directors, officers, and members, lobbied our Legislature to implement this crucial period at a time when motorcyclists would once again be leaving their winter parking for sunny roads. Overall motorcycle fatalities have decreased by approximately 30% since 2002, during a period in which motorcycle registrations increased by roughly the same rate. The MMA believes the annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period is a significant contributor to this since it reminds all motorists to share the road at the most critical point in the riding season.
In support of the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period, your MMA is promoting the period through various media outlets including RMV offices, toll booths, and highway signs. Additionally, lawn signs and bumper stickers with the“LOOK! For Motorcycles” slogan are available to riders at no charge from your MMA, and through some of our Gold Card Sponsors.
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