May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

http://www.therepublic.com/view/local_story/State_police_offer_motorcycle_safety_tips_4_12_2010/ May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. With the warmer weather and the start of the motorcycle riding season, Indiana State Police are offering safety tips for motorcycle riders.
In fact, 89 motorcyclists died on Indiana roadways in 2009, according to state police records. Of recent motorcycle fatalities, about 49 percent of the drivers were not properly licensed and nearly 65 percent were not wearing a helmet. Alcohol was a factor in about 31 percent of motorcycle crashes.
Indiana State Police offer the following safe-driving tips:
Tips for passenger vehicles:
Watch attentively for motorcycles. Check blinds spots before switching lanes and look twice at intersections before you turn or pull out into traffic. Anticipate hazards that may confront a motorcyclist like large pot holes, debris, or generally poor road conditions. Allow at least two seconds of following distance between your vehicle and a motorcycle. Be cautious when turning left. This is when a majority of crashes between vehicles and motorcycles occur. Share the road. Remember, motorcyclists are entitled to operate in a full lane. Obey all traffic laws especially as they relate to using your turn signals when switching lanes and yielding to other vehicular traffic. Tips for motorcycle riders:
Wear protective equipment and clothing, especially a helmet with face shield.
Make yourself visible by wearing bright clothing, using reflective tape; your motorcycle’s headlight should be illuminated night and day. Always use turn signals when switching lanes and turning. Check your motorcycle before each ride and do not ride if any equipment is not operating properly. Look for road hazards. Be especially cautious around intersections, alleys, driveways, and other areas where an animal, pedestrian, or vehicle might enter your path. Avoid riding in other vehicles’ blind spots. Give yourself plenty of room. Never tailgate and leave enough time to react to unexpected movements from other vehicles. When operating a motorcycle during inclement weather slow down and use extra caution. Avoid sudden changes in direction or speed. Attend and complete an approved motorcycle operators safety course