AMA Urges Extra Precautions During May: Motorcycle Awareness Month
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is urging all road
users to look around, check your mirrors, and consciously watch for
motorcycles during Motorcycle Awareness Month in May 2012.
Through legislative and gubernatorial proclamations around the
country, May has been declared Motorcycle Awareness Month. The
outreach to remind road users to share the road with motorcyclists
and make a conscious effort to look for them is an annual effort by
the motorcycling community, particularly since in many states few
motorcycles were on the road in the winter and early spring
months.
The AMA request follows the association's successful "Get Out And
Ride!" Month of April, which encouraged motorcyclists everywhere to
enjoy the passion and excitement of motorcycling in the dirt and on
the street. Each week during AMA Get Out and Ride! Month, the AMA
focused on a special motorcycling theme, from riding solo to riding
with others to riding for a cause to riding smartly.
"Motorcyclists take to the highways in large numbers every spring,
and it's the responsibility of all road users to acknowledge us
safely and attentively," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman.
"This is why many states and local governments officially promote
motorcycle awareness during the month of May.
"Unfortunately, many road users are not always mindful of those
with whom they share the road, and an annual reminder is helpful
for them to recognize the flow of motorcycles in traffic, and make
an extra efforts to watch for motorcycles," Dingman said.
"One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is the fact that
drivers don't see motorcycles," he said. "Simply put, drivers tell
themselves to watch for cars, trucks, buses and pedestrians, but
they don't tell always themselves to watch for motorcycles. We want
to change that."
Drivers can avoid crashes with motorcyclists by taking extra care
to watch for motorcyclists, especially at intersections, respecting
the motorcyclists' space on the road and by not following too
closely.
"If all drivers would make a conscious effort to look twice before
turning left across the oncoming lane of traffic at an
intersection, crashes could be prevented and lives would be saved,"
Dingman said.
For motorcyclists, the AMA strongly encourages the use of personal
protective equipment -- including gloves, sturdy
footwear and a properly fitted motorcycle helmet certified by its
manufacturer to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation standard
-- as part of a comprehensive motorcycle safety program to help
reduce injuries and fatalities in the event of a motorcycle
crash.
The AMA has long encouraged local and state governments to maintain
or increase funding for motorcycle rider education and motorist
awareness programs -- two highly effective strategies to reduce the
likelihood of motorcycle crashes.
The AMA also successfully lobbied for a new study into the causes
of motorcycle crashes, which will be the first such comprehensive
research in 30 years. The Federal Highway Administration has
undertaken a crash causation study at the Oklahoma Transportation
Center, an independent and well-respected transportation research
facility at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. The
study is expected to conclude in a year or two.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
