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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

One way to get the word out for motorcycle safety

OFF THE WIRE


From Montana... thought this was a clever idea... involving the elementary students in motorcycle safety and awareness!

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ABATE holds motorcycle awareness poster contest

Bill Vander Weele | Sidney Herald

Kylee Rains

Kylee Rains’ poster is on the Highway 16 billboard across from Amunrud’s RV.
Posted: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 8:00 pm
ABATE holds motorcycle awareness poster contest 0 comments
Motorcyclists take to the highways in large numbers every spring, and it’s the responsibility of all road users to acknowledge them safely and attentively. 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 effort to watch for motorcycles. Motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the roadway. During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May – and during the rest of the year – drivers of all other vehicles and all road users are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcyclists, and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.

The ABATE poster contest winning entries will be displayed on local billboards to urge all road users to look around, check your mirrors and consciously watch for motorcycles during Motorcycle Awareness Month in May 2013.

The top two winners have their posters displayed on a billboards for the month of May. ABATE also give the winner from each school $100. This year’s billboard winners are Kylee Rains from Lambert and Morgan Wetz from Glendive. Rains’ poster is on the Highway 16 billboard across from Amunrud’s RV. Wetz’s is on the Highway 200 bypass in Glendive.
One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is the fact that drivers don’t see motorcycles. Drivers remind themselves to watch for cars, trucks, buses and pedestrians, but they don’t tell always remember to watch for motorcycles. ABATE would like 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.
During the month of May – and the rest of the year – motorists and other road users are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcycles, and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe. Changing the driving habits of motorists and motorcyclists alike will help decrease the number of motorcyclists killed and injured in crashes. Motorcyclists are reminded to make sure that they are visible to motorists, and that they follow the rules of the road. All road users are reminded to never drive, ride, walk or bicycle while distracted.