UTAH: See Me Save Me Campaign

OFF THE WIRE
News > See Me Save Me - Motorcycle Safety Campaign
See Me Save Me - Motorcycle Safety Campaign
Posted 7/14/2010 Updated 7/14/2010
Release Number: 010710

7/14/2010 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT -- With warmer weather it's not uncommon to see an increase in motorcyclists sharing the road with other motorists.

To help raise awareness and educate vehicle operators that motorcyclists are on the road with them, riders are gathering at Hill Air Force Base on Thursday, July 15 for a police escorted ride through several local communities including Ogden, Roy, Sunset, Clearfield and Layton.

The ride is being held in conjunction with a new motorcycle safety campaign sponsored by the base called See Me Save Me.

"The goal of the See Me Save Me campaign is to show vehicle operators how many motorcyclists are sharing the road with them and to remind people to start looking for motorcycles when driving," said Allan Woods, Hill Air Force Base Center Safety Office.

The ride, which was initially scheduled for May 24 but cancelled due to inclement weather, is open to motorcycle riders from the base and throughout the local community.

Motorcyclists will begin the ride at 11:30 a.m. on Hill Air Force Base and meet up with off-base riders from the local community at the Hill Aerospace Museum at 5600 South in Roy near the Roy Gate. Riders who don't have access to the base and who want to participate in the ride will need to be at the museum no later than 11:15 a.m.

"Motorcycle safety awareness is important during this time of year as the weather warms up and motorcycles are getting back on the road," said Derek Miller, Utah Department of Public Safety's Highway Safety Office. "Many motorists forget to look for motorcycles, because they haven't seen them through the winter."

Woods said riders who are interested in increasing motorcycle safety and awareness are encouraged to participate in the ride.

"The more riders that participate, the bigger impact we'll have on the community to help raise awareness about motorcycles and encourage people to make looking for motorcycles a part of their normal driving routine," said Woods.

"Education goes a long way in promoting safety and we hope the upcoming ride increases safety awareness for all those on the road," Miller said. "Hill Air Force Base is a strong partner in educating both riders and motorists to increase their awareness of motorcycle safety.

"The base's safety program on base holds riders to strict safety guidelines and their upcoming awareness ride has perfect timing, especially with the recent deaths of Utah riders," Miller said.

-30-

(Note: Media interested in covering the See Me Save Me ride should contact Richard Essary, Hill AFB Public Affairs, at (801) 777-2284. Interviews with safety representatives will be available at 10:45 a.m. on base as riders are gathering for the event.)