4.2 Communications and Outreach: Motorist Awareness of Motorcyclists

This countermeasure involves communications and outreach campaigns to increase other drivers’ awareness of motorcyclists. Typical themes are “Share the Road ” or “Watch for Motorcyclists.” (See NHTSA’s Traffic Safety Marketing website for Motorist Awareness of Motorcycles information - www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/motorcycle-safety/motorist-awareness-motorcycles.) Some States build campaigns around “Motorcycle Awareness Month,” often in May, early in the summer riding season. Many motorcyclist organizations, including MSF, SMSA, the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and State and local rider groups, have driver awareness material available. Some organizations also make presentations on driver awareness of motorcyclists to driver education classes.

Effectiveness: Although this countermeasure is widely used, no evaluations of the effectiveness of campaigns to increase driver awareness of motorcyclists are available.

Further information about the known research, potential effectiveness, costs, use, and time to implement is available in Appendix A5, Section 4.2.

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