SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Warmer weather is bringing more motorcycles out of the garage and onto the streets. The increase in the number of motorcyclists on the roads leads to safety problems for all drivers.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges all drivers to be extra careful when approaching intersections or changing lanes. sergeant. Mike McClure says people need to keep in mind that more motorcyclists will be on the roads.

“We have less protection on a motorcycle, tricycle or bicycle,” the sergeant said. McClure said. “We just don’t have the vehicle protection offered by any other type of vehicle.”

In 2021, Troop D reported 36 motorcycle deaths. Among these deaths, 25 people were not wearing a helmet.

sergeant. Mike McClure urges drivers to stay alert and reduce distractions as more motorcyclists hit the road.

“A motorcyclist will ride on the center line between cars or on the right side of the traffic lane and people will not see it. Sometimes they’re going at such speed that they won’t have time to react if the person they’re going around can make a lane move or power off,” said Sgt. McClure said.

Motorcyclist Krystal Willhite says she regularly sees other bikers driving carefully, but says it’s not always the same for people in cars.

Because of this, Willhite says her eyes are constantly moving as she drives around town.

“They’re distracted, so I don’t think they pay attention to motorcyclists,” Willhite says. “Between cell phones and just being distracted in general, they don’t look all four ways before taking off from a stop light. It causes accidents all the time.

Pilot Fred Green says he knows many responsible pilots. However, his concern is that some motorcyclists knowingly drive irresponsibly.

“When they cut around cars, they’re going to cut the front of a car and turn around or they’re going to forget where they are and run over and turn around and we’re going to have another dead motorcyclist,” Green said.

Another concern for Green is noise.

“This noise level is irresponsible,” says Green. “The problem I have with motorcyclists is that they continually cut through traffic, go around cars and don’t care about their safety or anyone else.”

Willhite says for her and other runners, loud pipes save lives.

“We’re not here to show off,” Willhite said. “We are here to draw your attention to the roads. There are stickers around hundreds of helmets in the southwestern Missouri area. If you hear something loud, you’re going to watch. Like a train. Why does a train have a horn? Why does a Harley have noisy pipes? This is to get your attention so that we are not affected.

sergeant. McClure urges motorcyclists not to ride in a vehicle’s blind spot.

“If you’re going to make a move to pass the vehicle you’re following, go ahead and pass it but don’t linger in the hip pocket or blind spot,” said Sgt. McClure said. “Your vehicle is not as big as theirs and not as big as they are used to seeing, until we get into those summer months when motorcycles are more prevalent.”

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