Motorcycle Deaths Up Significantly In Ohio

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding everyone that more motorcyclists will be on the roads as summer approaches and the weather warms up.

May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the Highway Patrol says motorcycle safety is the responsibility of both motorcyclists and other drivers.

Drivers should remember to give motorcyclists a full lane of travel, look for motorcyclists on the highway, at intersections, and any time while changing lanes.

Drivers should also always leave plenty of space between their vehicle and any motorcyclists driving in front of them.

And motorcyclists are urged to drive SMART (Sober, Motorcycle Endorsed, Alert, Right Gear, and Trained).

In 2021, motorcycle deaths in Ohio increased by 55 percent.

There were more than 4,000 motorcycle-related crashes on Ohio roads in 2021, in which more than 200 people were killed.

Of those, 166 were not wearing a helmet, according to the Highway Patrol.

On Tuesday, a motorcyclist from Bryan was killed when a pickup turned in front of him and the two collided in Williams County.

The Highway Patrol is reminding motorcyclists to always wear a helmet and for all drivers to remain vigilant during motorcycle season.