May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and it’s a time where other motorists are reminded about more motorcyclists being on the road as the weather heats up.

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse says this is the time of year, after every winter season, for other motorists to restart themselves for motorcyclists to be back on the roadways.

“We just need to pay attention. A lot of times if a motorcycle is sitting stationary at an intersection, it’s not so much going to catch your eye as a truck or a car sitting there. So we want to pay attention and get them people where they’re going safely as well.” 

Clouse recommends motorcyclists to wear helmets for additional protection and safety, even though it’s not a state law.

“Part of that equation is for new riders to be a little extra careful and pay close attention. They have the flashing strobing headlights and different things nowadays to kind of draw your attention to a motorcycle coming at you. But we just need to keep our eyes open and be as careful as we can.”     

Clouse reminds motorists that motorcycles can easily fit into someone’s blindspot, so be take extra precaution when trying to pass other vehicles or switching lanes to make sure a motorcycle isn’t behind you.