With the weather heating up, Snohomish County is teaming up with Lynnwood police to keep motorcyclists safe.

The county recently declared May “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.” During the next two weekends, officers will be looking for impaired drivers, including those on motorcycles, as part of ongoing emphasis patrols.

“As the weather improves, more and more motorcyclists are hitting the roads,” said Tracy McMillan, Snohomish County’s DUI & Target Zero Manager. “Drivers of all vehicles need to be extra attentive. Motorists should perform visual checks before they enter or exit a lane of traffic and at intersections.”

The county reminds drivers to share the road with motorcycles and to be extra alert.

“Motorcyclists have responsibilities too,” said Lynnwood Police Sgt. Wayne Davis. “They should obey traffic rules, be alert to other drivers, never ride while impaired or distracted, and always wear a DOT-approved helmet and other protective gear.”

Statistics show that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 39 times more likely than car occupants to die in traffic crashes.