FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2025
CONTACT: ARRIALE TABSON
Mobile: 615-767-3242
Arriale.Tabson@tn.gov
TENNESSEE HIGHWAY SAFETY OFFICE PROMOTES MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – On Friday, May 2, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol, divisions of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, joined Metro Nashville Police Department, Nashville Department of Transportation, AAA – The Auto Club Group, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center for a press event at Boswell’s Harley-Davidson to promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
“The Tennessee Highway Safety Office is proud to bring members of the community together with law enforcement and injury-prevention partners to advocate for motorcycle safety,” said THSO Director Buddy Lewis. “By working together, we can help spread awareness and reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities in Tennessee.”
According to Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN), there were 3,078 motorcycle crashes statewide in 2024. Of those 3,078 crashes, there were 194 fatalities.
"During the summer months, there will be an increase in motorcycle activity across Tennessee roadways,” said THP Colonel Matt Perry. “We encourage drivers to help save lives by looking twice for motorcycles. If we all follow the traffic laws, we can keep our roadways safe for everyone.”
Immediately following the press event, law enforcement partners led a motorcycle safety ride with local riders of the Nashville community. Boswell’s Harley-Davidson provided free lunch for attendees. Additional partners supporting the event included Skyline Medical Center, Alliance Highway Safety, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Hendersonville Police Department, Gallatin Police Department, Lebanon Police Department, Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, and Belle Meade Police Department.
Tips for Motorists:
Check your mirrors and blind spots before switching lanes.
Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width. Share the road, but not the lane.
Allow ample follow distance when following a motorcycle.
Never drink and drive. Never text and drive. Follow all traffic laws to keep everyone safe.
Tips for Motorcyclists:
Always ride with a current motorcycle license.
Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet.
Wear protective clothing and proper shoes.
Make yourself visible. Use reflective tape and gear.
Never drink and ride.
For more information about motorcycle safety, please visit tntrafficsafety.org/motorcycles.
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PHOTOS: photos.app.goo.gl/KshFCY7CjfvkysKq7
PRESS EVENT VIDEO RECAP: youtu.be/Dx_DxFhPVaM
MOTORCYCLE CRASH DATA FROM TENNESSEE’S INTEGRATED TRAFFIC ANALYSIS NETWORK (TITAN): tn.gov/safety/stats/dashboards/motorcycle-crashes.html
NICK DALEY SOUND BITES: https://youtu.be/mj3bmP3CVLg?si=dT_d5Gp-Y2pxzj4z
AMANDA JOLLEY SOUND BITES: https://youtu.be/2Jf0FGdBvJo?si=vtMCH-kwu3vjS8qf
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is a division of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security advocating for traffic safety. The THSO works in tandem with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to implement statewide programs addressing occupant protection, impaired driving, speed enforcement, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and crash data collection and analysis. Programs administered by the THSO are 100 percent federally funded. The THSO’s mission is to effectively develop, implement, and evaluate these programs. To learn more, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org.