When the weather warms up, convertible owners are taking their tops off to enjoy the warm sunshine while they drive, and motorcyclists are also returning to the roads in large numbers. The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) designates May as Motorcycle Awareness Month to remind motorists of the importance of keeping an eye out for these two-wheeled vehicles.

It is important that drivers treat motorcycles with the same respect they would any larger vehicle by giving them plenty of space and never following too closely. This is especially important when it comes to distractions behind the wheel, as these dangerous behaviors have been linked to numerous crashes involving motorcycles. According to Distraction.gov, reading a text message takes an average of 4.6 seconds, which is the same amount of time it takes to drive the length of a football field at 55 mph.

"One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is the fact that drivers don't see motorcycles," said AMA president and CEO Rob Dingman. "Drivers tell themselves to watch for cars, trucks, buses and pedestrians, but they don't always tell themselves to look for motorcycles. We want to change that."

Motorists should be extra vigilant when scanning the roadways to spot motorcycles. Checking twice before turning or changing lanes is a good practice, as these vehicles can easily hide in blind spots. Simply knowing they are on the road as well can be enough to encourage drivers to be more cautious, which has the potential to prevent accidents and save lives. Drivers should also remember that, while motorcycles are much smaller than cars, they deserve the same amount of space. Car owners should never attempt to share a lane with motorcyclists.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of their next vehicle in time for summer can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs.