T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Sgt. Rocky Hise of the Ohio State Highway Patrol St. Clairsville Post stands in front of his cruiser outside the post. The patrol is focusing on motorcycle safety this month and reminding motorcyclists to ride trained and sober.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE –The Ohio State Highway Patrol is focusing on motorcycle safety this month as more motorcycles soon will be out on roadways leading up to summer.

Sgt. Rocky Hise of the St. Clairsville Post said the campaign is held each May amid Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and is meant to encourage awareness among motorists and motorcyclists.

“We want people to just be more aware of their surroundings, and when it comes to operating a motorcycle to be really aware of the other motorists on the roadway,” he said.

In 2021, there were 259 crashes in the patrol’s District 7. Of those, 23 were in Belmont County, nine in Monroe County, 12 in Harrison County, and 23 in Jefferson County. There were also six fatalities reported last year — one in Harrison County, two in Jefferson County, and three in Belmont County.

So far this year there have been a total of nine motorcycle-related crashes between the four counties, two of which involved fatalities — one in Belmont County and one in Jefferson.

According to state statistics provided by the OSHP, 9% of motorcycle-involved crashes in 2021 involved alcohol and/or drugs.

Hise said troopers urge motorcyclists to ride trained and sober. The patrol states that taking a training class, wearing safety equipment and riding with the proper endorsements will help protect motorcyclists as well as others on the roads.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stated in a release that “motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility.”

“All motorists need to be aware of their surroundings and other vehicles using the roadway. Motorists should give motorcyclists a full lane of travel and look for them at intersections and while changing lanes,” he stated.

When it comes to motorists interacting with motorcyclists, Hise said the most important thing to keep in mind while operating a vehicle is to always be aware of your surroundings.

“People need to be on high alert for motorcycles. When it comes to motorcyclists operating the bikes, not only be aware of your surroundings but assume someone doesn’t see you and operate your motorcycle carefully. That’s the best advice I can give,” he said.

According to Ohio law, wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is only required for riders under the age of 18 and drivers with less than one year of motorcycle experience. When the driver is required to wear a helmet, the passenger must also do so.