TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – With the weather heating up, more people are taking to the roadways.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is issuing a warning to share the road with motorcyclists and for motorcyclists to pay attention to their surroundings.
The goal is safety for everyone on the roads and to prevent severe injuries or fatalities.
Summertime makes Northwest Ohio a prime destination.
“We do see a big influx in travel,” Sgt. Garrett Lawson with the OSHP Bowling Green Patrol Post said.
From theme parks, fishing, fairs and festivals, there are plenty of people trying to navigate around.
“We are seeing an increase in motorcycle riders and bicyclists out on the roadways here now that the weather is starting to break and summer months are here,” Lawson said.
And now there’s a special notice for motorcyclists.
“Make sure if you are going to be on your bike or your motorcycle that you’re operating with due regard, slow down, we see a big issue with speeding,” he said.
This comes as states across the country and Ohio attempt to address fatal crashes involving motorcycles.
“From 2020 to 2024, there was a little over 1,000 motorcycle fatalities here in Ohio and more than half of those fatalities involved impaired drivers and impaired motorcyclists,” Lawson said. “So that’s just a staggering statistic, it’s preventable and unfortunately,y we see it way too often.”
During that same time period, 208 motorcycle crashes took place in Wood County, with 63 bike crashes.
Lucas County was among the Ohio counties leading in motorcycle crashes, with 914 and 410 bike crashes.
“It’s a big piece of equipment,” He said. “A motorcycle is and you can hurt somebody just as well as you can be hurt so make sure that you’re clearing your intersections, you’re stopping completely.”
From 2020 to 2024, there have been a little over 20,000 crashes involving motorcycles. OSHP said drivers of vehicles can do their part.
“Motorcycles are smaller, blind spots kind of get in the way when it comes to motorcycles, so before you make your lane changes or you proceed through an intersection, just do that double check, take that extra second just to make sure you’re cleared,” Lawson added.
According to OSHP, over the last five years, 68% of motorcyclists killed and 63% of motorcyclists seriously injured in crashes were not wearing a helmet.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol recommends that people are up to date with the proper handling and maintenance of their motorcycle.
This includes having proper licenses and endorsements.
As well as making sure your bike is in road condition with proper tires and working lights.
And do not operate your bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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This article was published by WTVG on 2025-06-03 23:21:00
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