Four dollar a gallon gas means drivers may be seeing more motorcycles on the road this spring – or in too many cases, not seeing them. Greg Patzer, Motorcycle Safety Program manager for the Wisconsin Department of Transporting, said a lot of accidents involving motorcycles involve drivers who failed to see the riders. “Approximately fifty percent,” said Patzer. “Especially with the weather the way it’s been, somewhat inclement, motorists may not be looking for motorcycles.”
Also this time of year, motorcyclists are more likely to be dodging potholes, another thing drivers may not expect. While Patzer hopes drivers will be aware, he said riders also need to do their part to increase visibility. “Making themselves conspicuous by lane placement, by the types of clothing and safety gear that they wear, always using directional signals,” said Patzer. May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. DOT figures show more than 330,000 motorcycles registered in the state – and rising gas prices are making them more attractive as basic transportation.