Uniontown, PA – Today, in recognition of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) joined Allegheny Health Network at Z&M Harley-Davidson Motorcycles in Greensburg to urge both riders and drivers to share the road responsibly and to raise awareness about safe riding practices.
With warmer weather bringing more motorcycles onto Pennsylvania roadways, the event emphasized the importance of proper training, wearing protective gear, and mutual respect between motorists and motorcyclists.
“Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility,” said PennDOT Safety Press Officer Emily Swecker. “Riders must be properly trained and equipped, but it’s also critical that other drivers remain attentive and give motorcyclists the space and visibility they deserve.”
According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 122 crashes involving motorcycles in Westmoreland County, resulting in 11 fatalities. This was an increase from the 116 crashes that occurred in 2023, which killed seven people.
Motorcyclists are encouraged to wear DOT-approved protective gear, including full-face helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Riders are also encouraged to participate in PennDOT’s Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP), which offers free training for both new and experienced motorcyclists. Motorcyclists should never ride impaired.
Drivers should check blind spots, use turn signals, and allow motorcycles a full lane of travel.
For more information on motorcycle safety, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/district12.
Information about infrastructure in District 12, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D12Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Follow PennDOT on X and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Swecker, eswecker@pa.gov or 724-425-3018
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