Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Simple Ways We Can All Share the Road More Safely

Every May, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month reminds us of the unique risks motorcyclists face and the shared responsibility we all have to make the roads safer. It’s a time to slow down, stay alert, and consider how simple habits can help prevent serious accidents. At Gomerman | Bourn & Associates, we’ve seen the impact motorcycle crashes can have on individuals and families which is the reason why prevention and education, not just representation, is important.

From the winding roads through Marin County to the busy, fast-paced freeways crisscrossing the Bay Area, riding a motorcycle in Northern California offers both stunning views and real challenges.

This month, we’re joining the national effort to raise awareness, encourage safe driving habits, and show support for those who ride.

Why Motorcycle Safety Matters, Especially in Northern California

California leads the country in motorcycle ownership and sadly, also ranks high in fatal motorcycle crashes. Here in Northern California, motorcyclists enjoy some of the most scenic rides in the country, but they also face serious, sometimes overlooked, road hazards.

Some of the biggest challenges include:

• Congested freeway corridors like I-80, I-580, and I-880, where fast-moving traffic and lane changes increase the risk of collisions.
  

• Rapid weather shifts, such as fog rolling through San Francisco or sudden rain in the Sierra foothills that can make roads slick.
  

• Winding rural roads in places like Napa, Sonoma, and the coast, which, though beautiful, can be narrow, steep, or poorly lit.
  

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists represent just 3% of all registered vehicles, yet they account for a staggering 14% of traffic fatalities in the U.S. With greater awareness, more mindful driving, and safer riding habits, many of these tragedies could be prevented.

5 SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS Simple Things We Know, But Sometimes Forget to Do

Motorists often don’t realize how much space and consideration motorcycles require. Here’s what you can do to protect riders:

1. Look Twice Before You Turn or Merge: Motorcycles can be harder to see, especially in blind spots or low-light conditions. Always use your mirrors, but don’t rely on them alone. Make it a habit to shoulder check before changing lanes or turning, especially in heavy traffic or near intersections where motorcyclists are more likely to be passing.
   

2. Leave Plenty of Following Distance: Motorcyclists often adjust speed or position to avoid debris, potholes, or uneven pavement. Give them extra space so you have time to react if they brake suddenly or swerve.
   

3. Don’t “Share” Their Lane: Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane just like any other vehicle. Even if it looks like there's extra space, never try to drive alongside or squeeze past. Riders need room to navigate around debris, adjust for road conditions, or maintain a safe buffer from larger vehicles.
   

4. Watch for Lane-Splitting: In slow or stopped traffic, it can be tempting to switch lanes constantly in hopes of getting ahead, but doing so increases the risk of sideswiping a motorcyclist who may be lane-splitting. These riders are legally allowed to travel between lanes in California, and they can appear quickly in your blind spots. The truth is, weaving through traffic rarely saves much time and it’s not worth the risk of causing an accident.
   

5. Check Before Opening Your Car Door: On busy city streets in places like Oakland or San Francisco, motorcyclists and cyclists often ride close to parked cars. A quick glance behind you before opening your door can prevent a serious collision.

5 SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS Stay Protected on Every Ride

Whether you're riding along the coast or navigating busy Bay Area traffic, staying alert and prepared can mean the difference between a safe ride and a serious accident. Here are five essential safety habits every motorcyclist should practice.

1. Always Wear a DOT-Approved Helmet: A proper helmet is your best line of defense. It should meet DOT safety standards, fit well, and be in solid shape. Even small cracks or damage can reduce its ability to protect you. According to the NHTSA, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 42%.
   

2. Be Visible: Many drivers simply don’t see motorcycles in time to react. Wear bright or reflective gear, use your headlight during the day, and avoid riding in blind spots. Think of visibility as an active part of your safety not just what you wear, but where you position yourself on the road.
   

3. Ride Defensively: Assume drivers aren’t expecting you. Leave extra space, avoid lingering in blind spots, and be ready to brake or swerve if someone cuts you off. Defensive riding isn’t about being fearful, it’s about being ready for the unexpected.
   

4. Never Ride Impaired: Even a small amount of alcohol or THC can affect your balance, reaction time, and judgment. Riding under the influence is not just illegal, it’s deadly. If you wouldn’t drive a car impaired, don’t risk it on two wheels.
   

5. Know the Road Ahead: Northern California has some of the most beautiful rides in the country but those roads can be tricky. Potholes, gravel, sudden curves, and limited lighting are common, especially on scenic backroads. Before heading out, check the weather, map your route, and watch for construction or closures. For inspiration and route details, Motorcycle Roads – California features a wide range of scenic, rider-reviewed routes across the state.

From Safety to Support

What to Do If You’re Injured on the Road

No one expects to be in an accident but if it happens, knowing how to respond can make a big difference in both your recovery and your legal options. Whether it’s on a winding road in Sonoma or a city street in Oakland, the steps you take next matter.

• Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel “okay” at the moment. Some injuries take time to show symptoms. Your health comes first always.
  

• If you're able and it's safe, try to gather basic information. This might include taking photos of the scene, exchanging insurance info, or noting witness names. But if you're injured and can't do this, that’s okay. First responders or others at the scene may help, and details can often be gathered later.
  

• Reach out to a local attorney familiar with California’s motorcycle laws and insurance processes. The sooner you get trusted guidance, the more you can focus on healing while someone else handles the legal side.
  

Not all drivers carry adequate insurance and motorcyclists are often the ones who pay the price, both physically and financially.

Learn how uninsured and underinsured motorist policies work in California, and what protections you may already have in place.

Let’s Keep Riding and Driving Responsibly

Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re on two wheels or four, staying alert, giving space, and respecting others on the road helps keep everyone safe.

At Gomerman | Bourn & Associates, we know how overwhelming it can be when something goes wrong on the road, especially for riders. That’s why we’re committed to being a clear, trusted resource for the communities we serve across Northern California.

If you ever need legal guidance after a motorcycle accident, we’re here to help and support you where you are. Contact one of our experienced attorneys for a FREE confidential consultation or call us at 415-545-8608.