State campaign: Drivers, stay alert to prevent motorcycle accidents

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Michigan Department of State has relaunched its annual "Look Twice, Save a Life" public education campaign. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is calling on all Michigan drivers to drive "defensively and cautiously" to save lives. "As motorcycle season returns to Michigan, we’re reminding drivers to be attentive and on the lookout for motorcyclists,” Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie said in a release. “Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the road and are sometimes hard to see. Being aware, eliminating distractions behind the wheel, and looking twice – can save a life of someone’s family member, friend, or loved one,” said Edevbie. According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning's Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, there were 3,187 crashes — including 168 that were fatal — involving a motorcycle and another vehicle in 2024. According to MCTF, 84% of those crashes happen on busy streets, and most of those crashes happen when the vehicles are turning left. Data shows that 53% of fatal motorcycle crashes involving a motorcyclist and another vehicle happen from 4 to 11 p.m., with the highest concentration from 5 to 8 p.m.