CHP highlights motorcycle safety

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http://www.theunion.com/article/20100514/NEWS/100519841/1007&parentprofile=1053 CHP highlights motorcycle safety
The Union staffShare on Facebook Email Print Comment Recommend May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month — a time when law enforcement agencies and cycling enthusiasts ask drivers to look twice and share the road.
California is home to more that 1.2 million licensed motorcyclists — and has seen a decade-long increase in motorcycle injuries.
A record 586 people were killed and another 13,252 were injured in motorcycle-involved crashes throughout the state in 2008, according to the CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records Systems.
“Although the statistics are grim, California appears to be on course to see a potential decrease for 2009 in the number of motorcycle fatalities and collisions for the first time in several years,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “While it's encouraging, there's still much more work ahead and challenges to overcome.”
Caltrans is displaying a safety message on state highways: “Save a life, look twice for motorcyclists.”
The CHP strongly encourages all motorcycle riders to sign up for the California Motorcyclist Safety Program before beginning to ride. It offers the basic rider course for beginners and experienced rider courses for improving skills.
CMSP officials expect to train 65,000 motorcyclists per year and operate more than 120 training sites throughout California. To find the nearest location, visit www.ca-msp.org