Earlier today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released a document highlighting what it sees as “simple steps” to reduce motorcyclist deaths. First and foremost, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is very concerned about the safety of bikers. 2021 saw 6,000 motorcyclists killed on our nation’s roadways, accounting for nearly 14% of all traffic fatalities.

While we don’t agree with all the positions of the IIHS, including their push for universal helmet laws, we do appreciate that they take a wider view of the issue. They point out the need for other people on the road to look for motorcycles and ensuring other vehicles properly judge their speed in relationship to motorcycles.

Additionally, the IIHS position of ensuring crash avoidance systems are designed to detect motorcycles is a good idea. Of course, that’s a good idea! That’s why the MRF is pressing Congress and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on this topic here in Washington, D.C.

All bikers should be happy to learn about a new technology focused on left turn assist. According to the IIHS, “Left turn assist, has the potential to address crashes in which another vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle — the most common type of crash between a motorcycle and another vehicle.”

Another place where we find common ground, is understanding that crash avoidance is the best way to save lives. A crash that never happens is 100% better than a “safer crash.”

As the release notes, “Each one of the thousands of motorcyclists who die on U.S. roads every year is someone’s loved one.” The MRF has lost way too many members and friends because of crashes on our roads. Let’s work together and decrease fatalities.

To read the full release from IIHS click here.