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http://belmontshore.patch.com/articles/the-chp-asks-motorists-to-be-kind-to-motorcyclists
The CHP Asks Motorists To Be Kind To Motorcyclists
May 1 begins Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the California Highway Patrol asks that motorists share the road with riders. By Mirna Alfonso
April 28, 2011 1
California Highway Patrol Photos (1) Photos Credit California Highway Patrol Add your photos & videos Share Tweet Email Print Start Following Submit a tip Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month begins May 1 and the California Highway Patrol today took the opportunity to remind motorists to share the road with the bikers.
According to figures released by the CHP, in 2009, there were 396 people killed and 11,488 were injured in motorcycle-related crashes.
Of those 396 killed, 383 of them were the motorcycle riders, according to the statistics.
In 2008, there were 553 people killed in motorcycle crashes; of those killed, 529 were the motorcycle riders.
In 2007, 474 people were killed in motorcycle-involved crashes.
Of those killed, 465 of them were the motorcycle riders.
These numbers represent the latest figures available from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.
“The drop in overall number of collisions is encouraging, but there is more work to be done,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said.
“All motorists are reminded to be extra alert when on the road to help keep everyone safe.”
One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides little protection in a crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 80 percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death; a comparable figure for automobiles is about 20 percent.
“Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle drivers,” said Robert Gladden, vice-President of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
“In addition to wearing the proper safety gear, especially a helmet that is certified by its manufacturer to meet DOT specifications, riders are encouraged to enroll in a training course.”
The CHP strongly encourages all riders to sign up for the California Motorcyclist Safety Program before beginning to ride.
CMSP offers a basic course for beginning motorcyclists and a more comprehensive course for riders who are interested in improving their skills.
CMSP expects to train 65,000 motorcyclists per year.
It operates more than 120 training sites throughout California.
To find a location nearest you, please visit http://www.ca-msp.org/.
