HOW CLOSE DOES A MOTORCYCLE HAVE TO BE BEFORE YOU SEE IT?
Like non-motorized road users, motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in the event of a crash and generally have less protection than occupants of vehicles. In preliminary 2022 data, there were 151 motorcyclist fatalities on Missouri roadways, accounting for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the state. Other motorists can help improve the safety of motorcyclists by always paying attention and looking twice for motorcyclists, as they are more susceptible to being hidden in a vehicle's blind spots or simply being overlooked. Passenger and Commercial vehicle drivers should remember the following:
- Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway.
- Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Do not share the lane.
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Missouri law requires all motorcycle riders under age 26 or anyone operating under an instruction permit to wear a DOT-compliant helmet.
For their part, motorcyclists should always wear a helmet and commit to operating at appropriate speeds while also never operating their bike while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Stats & Facts
Featured Program: Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program
The Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program (MMSP) is a partnership with the Missouri Safety Center out of Warrensburg, MO. The mission of the MMSP is to provide quality motorcycle rider education and enhance motorcycle rider safety to the citizens and visitors of the State of Missouri. Learn more about this program by visiting the MMSP website.
Videos on YouTube
Be a Highway Hero.
Watch for Motorcycles.
Motorcycle Awareness Month.
Watch for Motorcycles.
Look Twice for Motorcyclists
Motorcycle Awareness
Download Campaign Materials
- Motorcycle Awareness 2023 - 15 sec. video
- Motorcycle Awareness 2023 - 10 sec. video - Rider
- Motorcycle Awareness 2023 - 10 sec. video - Driver
- Motorcycle Awareness 2023 - Audio
- Motorcycle Awareness 2021 - Impaired Rider Radio
- Motorcycle Awareness 2021 - Impaired Driver Radio
- Motorcycle Awareness 2020 Motorist Radio Spot
- Motorcycle Awareness 2020 Impaired Radio Spot
- 2019 Watch for Motorcycles :30 Radio
- Cool Safe Rider :30 Radio
- Watch and Share :30 Radio
- Who's Under the Helmet? :30 Radio
- Weather Warming Up :30 Radio
- Watch for Motorcycles :30 Radio

Motorcycle Note
Missouri law requires all motorcycle riders under age 26 or anyone operating under an instruction permit to wear a DOT-compliant helmet.

Get Up to Speed on Motorcycles
To get up to speed on motorcyclists’ behaviors and what vehicle drivers can do to keep the roads safe for our two-wheeled friends, visit the link below.
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