With warmer weather in the forecast, more motorcyclists will be out and about, and safety experts are reminding drivers about ways they can keep everyone safe on the roads.
According to Michigan State Police, there were nearly 3,400 motorcycle crashes in Michigan in 2016, which is when the most recent data was available.
Nearly 150 of those crashes were fatal.
Vince Consiglio, regional coordinator for the Motorcycle Safety Consortium, says the key to safety is giving motorcyclists plenty of space, about three to four car lengths in between vehicles and motorcycles.
"Give the motorcycles some room, especially now with the potholes, in case they have to swerve or possibly stop," Consiglio said. "General courtesy is important on both ends, on the cyclists and on the car driver."
Experts also remind vehicle drivers to check blind spots and use turn signals to clearly indicate when they're changing lanes.
Motorcyclists looking to brush up on their skills are encouraged to take a safety course.
Courses are available at a number of locations, including Schoolcraft College in Livonia.
"The weather here in Michigan is very unpredictable and we do want riders to be trained in all types of weather conditions," said Sean McGlinn, Motorcycle Safety Program Coordinator at Schoolcraft College.
Schoolcraft College has three different course levels that cost $50 each.
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