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Trooper Aaron Reimer

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. 

“Anytime the weather starts to warm up, especially in early Spring, those who have motorcycles are kind of getting that itch of wanting to get back out. It’s nice to get out there and ride and it saves a bunch on gas. Motorists in general have to relearn, so to speak, that motorcycles are on the roadway. They are harder to see at times because they are a smaller vehicle. It just takes awhile to get accustomed to looking for them and making sure that you see them.”

Trooper Aaron Reimer with the Granville Post of the State Patrol says you have to pay extra attention to your blind spots because motorcycles can be very hard to see. 

“They are definitely harder to see, especially when you get into some of the larger cars, pickup trucks and things that do have large blind spots. Commercial trucks have huge blind spots, especially, that motorcycles need to be aware of. They (motorcycles) just cannot be seen because of their size. Also, sometimes they are going faster than the majority of traffic, so by the time you are used to seeing a car pass, they are already up beside you and gone or you have made contact with them. So, they are definitely a smaller object for you to make sure you are picking out.”

Trooper Reimer offers some tips to motorcyclists on how to stay safe on the roadway. 

“One, make sure your headlight is on all of the time. Of course, the obvious, wear your helmet to make sure that you are safe in any event. They are making some really nice clothing now for motorcyclists and they are using brighter colors. They are using things that are reflective so they are effective during the day and at night. They are using the fluorescent yellows, greens, oranges and things of that nature so they can be seen. That will definitely help.”

Trooper Reimer says they do see an increase in motorcycle accidents this time of year. 

“Anytime that the weather changes and it gets warm, motorcycle crashes increase. That is just because there are more of them. It is always a problem. We are always looking to increase awareness and to increase safety, but it is more of just a reminder for everybody to watch and take that second glance when you come up to an intersection before you pull out.”

Trooper Reimer adds that the increasing gasoline prices have only led more people to purchase motorcycles. 

“Last year, there was a large jump in people going out and getting motorcycle endorsements. So, people are feeling the crunch with the fuel costs and are resorting to cheaper fuel.”

Trooper Reimer says you have to complete several requirements before you can actually drive a motorcycle legally. 

“In order to get your motorcycle endorsement, you must go down to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and to our testing facilities down on East Main Street and schedule a written test and an actual driving test. The written test will give you a permit. With that permit, you are not allowed to have any riders. You are allowed to operate a motorcycle during daylight hours with a helmet on. After that, you become a novice once you pass your riding test. With that novice status, you have a one-year requirement to wear your helmet at all times.”

The State Highway Patrol asks that whether you choose a motorcycle or a motor vehicle, do your part to make motorcycling in Ohio safe for everyone.