Windshield Washing Project

The Windshield Washing Project was developed in Illinois in 1987. Every year in May, motorcycle chapters and organizations partner to raise awareness of motorcycles. At interstate rest areas throughout the state, motorcyclists volunteer to wash vehicle windshields and distribute motorcycle safety information reminding motorists to start seeing motorcycles. Windshield washing has caught on in other states where volunteer motorcycle groups are now sponsoring windshield washing projects with great success.

Motorcycles are small and sometimes difficult to see. The failure of motorists to see motorcycles in traffic is the most common cause of crashes involving motorcycles. Due to fewer motorcycles being on the road during winter months, motorists become unaccustomed to seeing motorcyclists. Because motorcyclists are more vulnerable and more likely to be injured in a crash, other drivers must always be aware of motorcycles and must always remember to take a second look.

Since the project’s inception, motorcycle chapters and organizations have made contact with more than 35,000 motorists to alert them that May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and to remember our safety message to Share the Road with motorcycles. Both reminders stress to motorists that looking out for motorcycles can saves lives.


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