Safety reminders after two injured in motorcycle-car crash in Chicopee

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) -Two people were taken to the hospital after a crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle on Fairview Ave. in Chicopee Thursday afternoon.

Chicopee Police Officer Travis Odiorne told 22News the injuries are unknown at this time. The intersection of Fairview Avenue and Springfield Street has since reopened following the investigation.

Motorcyclists take advantage of consistent warm weather. But unfortunately, that can bring a sharp increase in deadly crashes. In the last decade, AAA found that almost 60 percent of motorcyclist fatalities occur between May and September.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that over the last 10 years, motorcycle crash deaths have spiked by over 32% from April to May.

To improve safety on the roads, drivers must increase their following distance when driving behind a motorcycle, and also check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles. If a motorcyclist has their turn signal on, wait to make sure they turn before passing them.

If there is a problem, Springfield police urge everyone to contact law enforcement. "If you do run into a motorcyclist who maybe is having a little too good of a time and maybe not having the best thing in mind, leave them alone, let them go ahead on and do their business. Don't try to solve the problem on their own," Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers told 22News.

Superintendent Lawrence Akers has a motorcycle, too. And his advice for motorcyclists is to be safe and follow the rules. In Massachusetts, there were 65 deadly crashes involving motorcycles in 2024.