Motorcycles make up just four percent of registered vehicles in Iowa, but last year they accounted for 16 percent of the state’s traffic deaths. Kelly Hilsabeck, trauma injury prevention coordinator at Gundersen Health System, emphasizes the importance of motorists being extra cautious around motorcycles, especially during warmer weather.

Hilsabeck advises drivers to “look twice” before turning or changing lanes, as motorcycles are smaller and can be in blind spots. She also urges motorists to keep a safe distance when following motorcycles, noting that motorcyclists may downshift without using brake lights.

According to the Iowa DOT, 74 percent of motorcyclists killed in the past five years weren’t wearing helmets, compared to the national average of 38 percent. Iowa is one of three states without helmet laws. Hilsabeck stresses that helmets are crucial for reducing severe injury or death.

Motorcyclists can increase safety by keeping headlights on, wearing eye protection, bright-colored clothing, and covering skin to protect against abrasions in a crash. Last year, 62 motorcyclists died on Iowa roads, with 17 deaths reported so far this year.