Motor Vehicle Administration and ABATE of Maryland Kick Off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

WHAT:                     
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, along with the motorcycle advocacy group ABATE of Maryland Inc., will kick off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month during a brief ceremony at the MVA Hagerstown branch. In recognition of Governor Wes Moore proclaiming May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Maryland, the month-long campaign will provide education on the rules of the road for new and seasoned riders and encourage all drivers to share the road. Local community organizations and vendors also will be available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., providing safety-related information. Local officials and community partners are invited to attend as well. Motor Vehicle Administration officials also will announce the return of a popular program that allows customers to obtain their motorcycle license in one day.  

WHEN:                     
10 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023

WHERE:                  
MVA Hagerstown Branch Office
18306 Col. Henry K. Douglas Dr.
Hagerstown, MD 21740

WHO:                        
Chrissy Nizer, MVA Administrator and Governor Moore’s Highway Safety Representative
Clarence “Tuck” Koontz, ABATE of Maryland Inc., Washington County Chapter
Sheriff Brian K. Albert, Washington County’s Sheriff’s Office

OTHER: 
Warmer weather marks the unofficial start of the riding season for motorcyclists. In Maryland, approximately 80% of motorcycle-related fatalities occur from May through October. Approximately 60% of motorcycle-involved crashes occur between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. and more than half (59%) of those crashes occur Friday through Sunday.

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