Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today warned of a spike in motorcycle fatalities as reported by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and urged drivers and motorcyclists to use caution as the busy holiday travel begins. According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany's Rockefeller College, preliminary data shows that as of August 15, 2020, deaths from motorcycle crashes are up more than 17 percent compared to the same period in 2019.

"Danger does not take a holiday and with increased traffic on the road this Labor Day weekend, we all have a responsibility to exercise good judgment and caution," Governor Cuomo said. "New York State will continue to crack down on dangerous driving behavior because the safety of all drivers and passengers will always be a top priority for us."  

To improve safety on the roads this holiday, the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving enforcement crackdown will continue through Labor Day. In addition, drivers are encouraged to make sure their vehicles are in good working condition and inspections are up to date before they travel. Inspection stations are open and must follow health and safety guidelines. Motorists should also check things like fluids, tire pressure, battery life, and windshield wipers. Drivers can also use the DMV website to check if their vehicle has a recall.

Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, said, "The motorcycle riding season is winding down and with nice weather predicted for this long holiday weekend, we expect more traffic and more riders on the roads, so I am urging everyone to be responsible, pay attention, and slow down. We all play a part in keeping one another safe on our roads and it is up to every driver and rider to stop this alarming trend in motorcycle fatalities from continuing."

The following chart shows fatalities from motorcycle-involved crashes reported to ITSMR for 2019 and 2020.

There are more than 800,000 licensed motorcyclists in New York State. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than people in passenger cars. NHTSA also reports that despite representing only 3-percent of all registered motor vehicles, motorcyclists account for 14-percent of all traffic-related fatalities nationwide.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists:  

For additional safety tips, visit the GTSC website at: https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/motorcycle-safety.  

New York was the first state to mandate wearing a motorcycle helmet, and for more than 20 years, New York has had a rider-funded motorcycle safety training and awareness program known as the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP). The program uses a nationally recognized motorcycle training curriculum, developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The courses teach effective turning, braking maneuvers, tips to avoid obstacles, strategies in traffic, how to select appropriate protective apparel and vehicle maintenance. 

To find information on which motorcycle safety courses may be available near you, go to the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program website.