Crashes involving motorcycles are occurring with greater frequency, many times resulting in serious injuries. Motorcycle riders should always wear a helmet. Head injuries can be reduced significantly by using this vital piece of safety equipment. Always ride defensively and within your ability - if you are not comfortable, you are not riding within your ability! Wear proper clothing - bright and reflective apparel is the best, covering one-half of your body surfaces. Change lane position to increase your visibility and remember S.I.P.E.:

• Scan
• Identify
• Decide
• Execute

Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following can attribute to many motorcycle crashes:

• Lack of basic riding skills
• Failure to appreciate the inherent operating characteristics
• Failure to appreciate the limitations of the motorcycle
• Failure to use special precautions while riding
• Failure to use defensive driving techniques
• Lack of specific braking and cornering skills
• Failure to follow speed limits

Motorists, Be Aware of Motorcyclists
We encourage all drivers and motorcyclists to share the road. Cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our roadways.

• A motorcyclist has the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as any other motorist on the roadway
• Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width
• Motorcycles can be difficult to see; always check your mirrors and blind spots before switching to another lane of traffic
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic
• Allow more distance - three or four seconds - when following a motorcycle