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    PennDOT, Safety Partners, AHN, Pittsburgh EMS Urge Motorcycle Safety As Riding Season Kicks Off

    June 04, 2025

    Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Allegheny County Safety Partners, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and City of Pittsburgh EMS gathered at Allegheny General Hospital to discuss the importance of motorcycle safety as the riding season kicks off.

    The partners discussed the dangers associated with motorcycle crashes, injuries seen in the emergency room, and ways riders and motorists can practice safe behaviors to avoid these dangerous incidents.

    PennDOT also shared information on the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) and how riders can access the free program’s motorcycle training courses tailored for all skill levels.

    According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 3,317 crashes involving a motorcyclist in Pennsylvania, resulting in 219 fatalities statewide. To combat these numbers, motorists and motorcyclists must work together to keep each other safe.

    Motorists are encouraged to help save lives by following these safety tips:

    • Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections. 
    • Leave at least four seconds of following space when driving behind a motorcycle.​
    • Signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.​
    • Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width as the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions.

    Riders are urged to practice the following safety tips to help stay safe on the road:

    • Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections. 
    • Do not speed or weave between other vehicles on the road, in any road or weather conditions.
    • Signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.​
    • Do not share a lane with other motorcyclists, even if you know them or are heading to the same location.
    • Never ride while impaired or distracted.

    The Allegheny County Safety Partners consist of AAA East Central, Allegheny County Health Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff Department, Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention, City of Pittsburgh Police, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project.

    For more information on motorcycle safety, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

    PennDOT’s media resources web page offers social media-sized graphics for numerous transportation-related campaigns, including safety topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.

    For regional updates, follow PennDOT on X and join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.

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