Look twice for motorcycles in April

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

Nearly ever-present sunshine and dry weather mean that motorcycles are our year-round in many parts of Arizona.

One of the most popular times to ride is right now, when temperatures are comfortable in most of the state. In fact, later this month motorcyclists from across the Southwest will converge on Phoenix for the Arizona Bike Week and Phoenix Bikefest events.

It’s not surprising that more motorcycles are on Arizona’s roads when weather is the most comfortable. According to crash statistics collected from Arizona law enforcement agencies since 2012, April, along with the nearly perfect-weather months of March, October and November, sees spikes in collisions involving motorcycles.

ADOT wants to remind drivers of four- and two-wheeled vehicles to make safe driving a priority.

Drivers of cars should always look twice and make sure motorcycles aren’t hidden in blind spots. For their part, motorcyclists should make every effort to avoid traveling in blind spots. And drivers of vehicles and motorcycles should obey posted speed limits – speeding is a leading factor in traffic fatalities involving cars and motorcycles.

Focus on Driving
This is part of a series we’re calling “Focus On Driving.” This series looks at often-overlooked measures that keep the traveling public safe – from rumble strips and barriers to the reflective paint used in lane striping – as well as timely safety topics, such as when crashes involving particular factors occur most often.