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Sanilac County proclaims May 'Motorcycle Awareness Month' and hears public pleas for safer driving
Summary
The Sanilac County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and received public comments from local law enforcement and ABATE urging motorists to watch for motorcycles and avoid distracted driving.
The Sanilac County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution on May 2, 2023, proclaiming May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, citing increased motorcycle traffic during warmer months and urging drivers to exercise greater caution.
The resolution, introduced and moved by Commissioner Bill Sarkella, notes that a rise in out‑of‑state riders and local recreational motorcycle travel increases crash risk and recommends including motorcycle awareness content in driver education and rider programs. A roll-call vote recorded all seven commissioners voting yes.
Sheriff Rich commended the board for the proclamation and emphasized the importance of awareness on county roads. Tamera Feldhouse, regional assistant representative for ABATE of Michigan, Inc., thanked the board and urged motorists to “share the road” with motorcyclists. Commissioner Roger Ballard added a separate plea for drivers to avoid using phones while driving.
Why this matters: motorcycle crashes can be severe, and the board's proclamation seeks to raise public awareness rather than create new regulations. The resolution directs increased local attention and encourages inclusion of motorcycle awareness in driver education curricula.
County next steps: the proclamation is a formal recognition and awareness effort; no ordinance or enforcement changes were proposed at the meeting. The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote.
