By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is wanting to remind everyone to stay alert and share the road for motorcyclists.
KDOT is spreading awareness for Kansas drivers, whether by vehicle or motorcycle to drive safely. The agency is also wanting to highlight the campaign "Motorcyclists’ Safety is Everyone’s Safety," which is a national campaign that reminds everyone on the road to follow safe and riding practices.
According to KDOT, speeding and alcohol impairment are two of the leading factors in motorcycle-related crashes. Preliminary 2024 Kansas data shows that 54 people died and more than 852 sustained injuries in crashes involving motorcycles.
“Motorcyclists continue to be overrepresented in traffic fatalities,” said KDOT Behavioral Safety Manager Gary Herman. “It’s essential that both riders and drivers pay attention to each other. No matter what kind of vehicle you’re operating, the emphasis must be on putting people’s lives and overall roadway safety first.”
KDOT states that drivers and motorcyclists can help reduce the number of injuries and fatalities by observing all traffic laws, obeying the speed limit, driving and riding alcohol/drug-free, avoiding distractions and focusing on the roadway.
Riders should wear high-visibility protective gear, a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet and are required to have a "M" endorsement (indicates that the holder is authorized to operate motorcycles or motor-driven cycles) on their license.
To see a list of approved motorcycle education sites in Kansas, go to https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/DrSchoolsMoto.pdf#search=motorcycle%20training.
For more information on motorcycle safety go to: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/motorcycle-safety