A rainy day in the North Hills was a fitting backdrop to help highlight the importance of safe driving for motorcyclists and other motorists.
PennDOT and AAA East Central teamed up to share tips during a motorcycle safety course and news conference on the north campus of Allegheny County Community College.
“While May is motorcycle month, it’s something you want to think about all year-round, especially in the summer when you’re going to see a lot more motorcycles,” said Jim Garrity, director of public and community affairs for AAA East Central.
“Motorcycle safety is really everybody’s responsibility on the roadways,” he said.
In 2025, there were nearly 3,000 motorcycle-related crashes, resulting in 186 fatalities statewide.
“Drive attentively, no distractions. That goes a long way. Lots of times when we see these crashes, they’re preventable,” Garrity said.
Most importantly, do not drive impaired, he said, whether operating a motorcycle or other vehicle.
“You need to drive sober. No impairment is acceptable behind the wheel,” he said.
Motorists and motorcyclists should signal before changing lanes.
Also, check the mirror and blind spots before lane changes and at intersections. Motorcycles are smaller and lack the protections that cars have, which can result in more serious outcomes for motorcyclists, Garrity said.
Motorists should leave at least four seconds of following space when driving behind a motorcycle and allow a motorcyclist a full lane width because motorcyclists need the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions, said Yasmeen Manyisha, safety press officer for PennDOT.
Manyisha reminded motorcyclists to “share the road and don’t share the lane” with other motorcycles. They also should not speed or weave between other vehicles on the road, she said.
New motorcyclists were taking the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program Course at CCAC’s north campus parking lot with course instructor Ben Gollick of the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program.
The course is free, but insurance is required.
Gollick also has taken the program as both a beginner and as an experienced motorcyclist. The course helped to hone his skills.
“I’m working out bad habits and developing good habits,” Gollick said.
The two-day basic course teaches skills on counter-steering, counterweighting, slow-speed balancing and more, he said.
A course for those with more experience is offered as well, Manyisha said.
Those interested in participating in the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program, including at CCAC North, should visit pa.gov/dotsafety. The course is offered at multiple locations several times each year.
“Please make sure you’re doing your part in being safe,” Manyisha said.