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IDOT, ISP urge public to “Start
Seeing Motorcycles”
[May 07, 2025]
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois
Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and motorcycle
safety advocates are reminding all users of the road to “Start
Seeing Motorcycles” as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
“We want every driver and every motorcyclist to share and safely
enjoy Illinois roads,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau
chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Don't take risks, always
obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings, and
never drive or ride impaired.”
The Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign coincides with the arrival of
warmer weather and more motorcyclists on the roads. During the
riding season, Start Seeing Motorcycles banners and yard signs will
be on display throughout the state, reminding the public to always
stay alert for motorcycles.
With more than 150 deaths in Illinois each year, motorcyclists are
significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities.
Although motorcycles represent 3% of total vehicle registrations in
Illinois, according to IDOT, they accounted for nearly 14% of
traffic fatalities in 2023, the most recent year statistics are
available. There were 1,245 traffic fatalities in Illinois in 2023
–168 were motorcyclists, an increase of 23 from 2022.
“While there are fewer motorcycles
on roads compared to passenger cars, the motorcycle fatality rate
for crashes is five times higher than the fatality rate for
passenger cars,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. “ISP
reminds motorcyclists to make an effort to be seen while riding,
avoid weaving in and out of traffic, and obey speed limits. ISP also
reminds other drivers to watch for motorcyclists who may not be as
easily seen, and to give them space.”
All riders are urged to take precautions to ensure they stay visible
to other motorists. This can be accomplished by wearing the
appropriate protective gear, getting regular maintenance and taking
advantage of IDOT's cycle rider safety training program.
As part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, IDOT recommends these
steps to stay safe.
For drivers:
Look twice before changing lanes or merging into traffic, using your
mirrors and glancing over your shoulder. Allow appropriate distance.
Allow motorcyclists enough space to maneuver and enough time to
adjust if necessary. Traffic, weather and road conditions require
motorcyclists to react and maneuver differently than other drivers.
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Be vigilant. A
motorcycle can easily be hidden behind other vehicles. Checking
mirrors and blind spots is essential before changing lanes or
merging.
Use care when driving near a group of motorcyclists. Sharing the
road with organized motorcycle groups requires patience and
communication. If you need to change lanes or reach an exit,
signal your intention early and wait for the riders to create a
space. Do not merge in between groups or riders unless there is
enough space to do so safely.
For motorcyclists:
Wear DOT-compliant gear that increases visibility in traffic in
addition to providing protection in the event of a crash. Use bright
colors and retro-reflective strips or decals, especially at night.
Over-the-ankle boots, gloves, protective jackets, pants and properly
fitted helmets with face shields or protective eyewear are all part
of a full-gear package.
Use lane positioning to increase your visibility. Ride with your
headlight on at all times. It's the law in Illinois. Give yourself
space and time to react. Allow room for emergency braking. Make lane
changes gradually and expect the unexpected.
Ride sober. Motorcycle riding and alcohol don't mix. Drinking slows
your reaction time and affects your balance, coordination and
vision.
Always signal before changing lanes. Avoid weaving between lanes.
Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before
stopping.
Start Seeing Motorcycles is made
possible by the teamwork among IDOT, ISP and other organizations
that promote motorcycle education, awareness and safety coinciding
with the comprehensive “It’s Not a Game” multimedia campaign. Visit
startseeingmotorcycles.org for more information on IDOT's free
motorcycle training and safety programs.
[Illinois Dept. of Transportation]
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