May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and it’s a time to observe these lower profile vehicles as they become more prevalent on the roadways.

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse says as the weather gets warmer, more motorcycles will be on the road, which means other motorists need to have a heightened awareness and be looking further down the road for them.

“Then if you’re like watching for children, you’re obviously watching a little bit closer to your vehicle. A motorcycle I think you want to focus a little more farther down the road. Sometimes they (motorcyclists) don’t see you as well and they may leave a stop sign and pull out, or vice versa you leave a stop sign without seeing the motorcycle because obviously they are a smaller, shorter vehicle.”

Clouse notes to be vigilant about checking your vehicle’s blindspot when looking to change lanes on the roadway, because motorcycles can easily hide in them. He also reminds every motorists to make sure they slow down and follow posted speed limits.