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NHTSA motorcycle safety poster
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Governor proclaims Motorcycle Safety Month
April 29, 2008
For more information, contact Sally Ridenour (503) 986-3359 or Michele O'Leary (503) 986-4198.
Governor Ted Kulongoski has proclaimed May “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month ” in Oregon. Oregon is joining with other federal, state and local highway safety and law enforcement organizations in a nationwide campaign designed to raise awareness about sharing the road with motorcyclists.
“With warmer weather coming, more motorcycles will be on the roads. Passenger vehicle drivers need to be extra alert,” said Michele O’Leary, motorcycle safety program manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Although Oregon is well below the national fatality rate for motorcycle crashes, Oregon crashes have increased by more than one third in the last five years. In 2006, 43 motorcyclists lost their lives in crashes in Oregon.
Oregon is a national leader in motorcycle safety education, program administration and licensing practices. “Oregon has made significant progress in reducing motorcycle crashes during the past two decades through efforts from the TEAM OREGON Motorcycle Safety Program, Governor’s Advisory Committee on Motorcycle Safety and various riding organizations and groups,” said O’Leary. “But we need everyone’s help to make the number of crashes go down.”
Motorcycles are small and may be difficult for other drivers to see, that’s why it’s important to be alert and share the road safely. ODOT offers tips for drivers:
- Remember, motorcycles are vehicles with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane.
- Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
- Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Remember that road conditions, which are minor annoyances to passenger vehicles, pose major hazards to motorcyclists.
- Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. Don’t tailgate.
- Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too, including following the rules of the roadway, being alert to other drivers, and always wearing protective gear.
###ODOT###
Proclamation
NHTSA Share the road program
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