Every spring, as motorcycle riders take to the roads of Sacramento County under clear skies and warmer weather, the risk of a motorcycle crash rises sharply. Picture this: you’re riding Highway 99, and a sudden lane change by a distracted driver sends you into a skid. In that moment, visibility and vigilance could mean the difference between a near-miss and a hospital visit.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a national call to encourage all road users to share the road responsibly and reduce the rising number of motorcycle accident injuries. With traffic increasing and vehicles often failing to notice two-wheeled vehicles, awareness can save lives.
This blog covers essential safety tips, accident trends, and the legal protections riders need in California. And if tragedy does strike, our motorcycle accident attorney in Sacramento can help you navigate recovery and seek justice.
What Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month?
Motorcycle Awareness Month was launched nationally by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reduce the rising number of motorcycle crash fatalities. Supported by agencies like the California Highway Patrol (CHP), UC Berkeley SafeTREC, and local non-profits, the campaign promotes visibility, motorcycle safety, and respect among all road users.
In California alone, more than 500 motorcyclists lose their lives each year, and thousands more suffer severe injuries, often due to negligent drivers failing to yield or check blind spots (NHTSA, 2022).
Awareness campaigns help lower accident rates and shift public behavior through public service announcements, educational outreach, and helmet safety programs. For motorcycle accident victims in Sacramento and beyond, this month is more than symbolic—it’s a matter of survival.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Sacramento
In Sacramento County, motorcycle riders face elevated risks due to heavy traffic, road hazards, and negligent drivers. Even skilled riders can’t always avoid danger, especially when other drivers fail to share the road responsibly. Below are the leading causes of a motorcycle crash in this region:
Cause | Description |
Distracted Driving | An inattentive driver using a phone or adjusting controls may overlook motorcycles. |
Unsafe Lane Changes | Fault drivers often merge without checking blind spots, resulting in a direct impact. |
Intersection Collisions | High-traffic crashes occur when vehicles fail to yield or run red lights. |
Speeding & Aggressive Driving | Aggressive driving or tailgating reduces a driver’s ability to respond in time. |
Road Debris & Poor Road Conditions | Potholes, gravel, or debris left by a government entity or construction site can destabilize riders. |
These hazards frequently lead to severe physical injuries, including spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or even wrongful death. If you’ve suffered a motorcycle accident injury, it’s crucial to understand your rights and how to start a legal action and get the maximum compensation for your losses.
5 Key Rider Safety Tips for Awareness Month
During May, Motorcycle Awareness Month, riders across California are encouraged to double down on safety. These essential tips are promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and local agencies to prevent a motorcycle crash:
- Wear a DOT-approved helmet – Full-face or modular helmets provide the best protection against traumatic brain injuries and fatal crashes.
- Take a certified safety course – Riders with formal training are statistically less likely to be involved in a motorcycle accident.
- Stay out of blind spots – Keep a distance from larger passenger vehicles and avoid weaving through traffic.
- Use reflective gear – Increase visibility during dawn, dusk, or nighttime with reflective jackets, decals, or striping.
- Do a pre-ride check – Inspect tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels to avoid preventable failures mid-ride.
What Sacramento Is Doing for Motorcycle Awareness Month
During Motorcycle Awareness Month, local agencies and organizations across Sacramento County are taking action to reduce motorcycle crash injuries and increase public awareness. Key initiatives include:
- Helmet Safety Checkpoints—CHP runs these checkpoints to ensure riders wear motorcycle helmets that meet DOT standards, reducing the risk of traumatic brain injury.
- Awareness Rides – Organized by community groups like ABATE and Ride to Live, these events spotlight rider safety and respect for motorcycle operators.
- Caltrans Road Sharing Campaigns – Promoting safe driving habits among passenger vehicles, reminding all road users to check blind spots and avoid aggressive driving.
These programs are vital in preventing motorcycle accident injuries, especially in areas with dense traffic and poor road conditions. By engaging with these efforts, riders and drivers contribute to safer streets and help lower the number of fatal crashes in Northern California.
When to Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Sacramento
If you’ve suffered injuries in a crash, contacting a motorcycle accident attorney in Sacramento should be a top priority. The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can leave you with severe injuries, medical expenses, and an uphill battle with your insurance company. Still, our legal help can shift the outcome in your favor.
Our award-winning legal team will:
- Investigate the accident scene, gather police reports, and witness statements
- Handle communications with insurance adjusters and push back against lowball settlement tactics
- Seek maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like emotional distress or loss of enjoyment.
Even with the best safety practices, negligent drivers and road hazards cannot be controlled. Letting our experienced motorcycle accident lawyer fight for your financial compensation gives you the peace of mind to focus on recovery, not legal battles.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, contact Farahi Law Firm—Sacramento for a free case review.
We fight for “The Medical Treatment You Need and the Money You Deserve.”
FAQs: Motorcycle Awareness & Legal Safety in Sacramento
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a national campaign aimed at reducing motor vehicle collisions involving motorcycles. It promotes mutual respect between drivers and motorcyclists to lower rates of fatal crashes and improve awareness of vulnerable road users.
Many motorcycle crashes involve passenger car collisions, driver negligence, or unsafe lane changes in heavy traffic. Poor road conditions, distracted driving, or a lack of proper turn signal use near intersections worsen these situations.
Yes, but your recovery may be reduced due to comparative negligence laws. Not wearing a motorcycle helmet could affect the percentage of fault attributed to you. However, you’re still entitled to file a personal injury claim.
In addition to wearing DOT-approved helmets, riders should invest in high-visibility gear, undergo certified training, and regularly inspect their motorcycles for defective parts or worn brakes, especially before long rides or commutes.
In such cases, you may need to file a claim against the rideshare’s insurance coverage or explore compensation through your underinsured motorist policy. A motorcycle accident attorney in Sacramento can guide you through this complex legal process.
