June Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

ALBANY, NY (06/08/2009)(readMedia)-- New York State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles David J. Swarts and State Police Lieutenant Jim Halverson today reminded motorists to watch for motorcycles on the roadways and encouraged riders to get proper motorcycle training. They were joined at a press conference held at a motorcycle safety training site at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) in Utica by Lynne Vandewater, Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCoach Trainer and MVCC Site Administrator.

In the past decade, motorcycle registrations in New York State have increased by 82 percent to a total of more than 300,000. In each of the past eight years, motorcycle registrations have increased by an average of 6 percent per year. By the end of 2008, there were more than 600,000 licensed motorcyclists in New York State.

"As the weather gets better, more motorcyclists will be taking to our roadways," said DMV Commissioner Swarts who also serves as Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. "With more motorcycles on the road than ever before, proper training is imperative. We also want to remind all motorists to be more aware of motorcyclists and to share the road with them safely."

While there was an 11 percent decrease in fatalities between 2006 and 2007, overall motorcycle accidents have increased by more than 20 percent between 2002 and 2007. Injuries and fatalities have increased by more than 15 percent during that time frame. More than half of the 5,400 motorcycle crashes that occurred in 2007 involved at least one other vehicle.

New York State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt stated, "We expect the popularity of motorcycling to continue to grow, and with it, so will enforcement. Many of the causes of a motorcycle fatality is a severe head injury and wearing a DOT-compliant helmet reduces the likelihood of a fatal head injury by 37 percent. Knowing this important fact, we will be making non-compliant helmets a priority in our enforcement efforts to ensure motorcyclists are properly protecting themselves."

In 2008, more than 16,000 students were trained in the Basic Rider Course statewide. The course is a 15-hour training program including classroom and on-motorcycle instruction. It is designed for beginner and re-entry riders and allows them to learn or review basic riding skills. The course cost ranges from $275 to $350 and motorcycles are provided. Students who possess a valid driver's license and valid Motorcycle Learner's Permit may use successful completion of the course as an alternative to the motorcycle road test.

"Riders should observe Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month - in particular as it falls near the start of the riding season, when skills may be rusty after a long winter layover - by putting in a little time practicing their skills," said Lynne Vandewater, MSF RiderCoach Trainer and MVCC Site Administrator. "Riders should make sure they are physically and mentally prepared for each and every ride, they are riding within the limits of their skill level and the environment and wearing appropriate protective gear for each and every ride. And, of course, there is no substitute for proper motorcycle rider training."

Since the DMV began offering the road test waiver benefit in 1996, more than 100,000 motorcyclists have taken the Basic Rider Course in New York State. Approximately one quarter of all new motorcycle licenses issued in 2008 were earned by completing the Basic Rider Course.

In 1997, legislation established a rider-funded motorcycle safety program in New York State. The law required the DMV to establish a statewide rider education program and a public awareness program. The legislation also provided the resources to implement these programs through a dedicated fund that uses a portion of the motorcycle registration and licensing fees. Motorcyclists pay an additional $2.50 per year for each registration and $1 per year for their motorcycle license endorsement. Since 1998, more than $13 million has been collected for this program.

The following are some guidelines motorists should follow when sharing the road with motorcycles:

• Most crashes between cars and motorcycles involve the car turning left at an intersection in front of the motorcycle. Look twice for motorcycles before you turn.
• Motorcycles are easily hidden in traffic. Always take a second look over your shoulder-don't rely solely on your mirrors.
• Rain and sun glare can make motorcycles difficult to see. Take an extra moment to make sure the road is clear.
• Use turn signals to indicate your next move. This allows the rider to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
• Cars and trucks can conceal a motorcycle traveling behind it. Take an extra moment after a larger vehicle passes before you begin your turn behind it.
• Motorcyclists make eye contact often to feel confident that other drivers see them. Please give a nod back to acknowledge them.
• Motorcyclists prefer to use a large space cushion, allowing them more time to react. Do not cut in front of a motorcyclist and eliminate the safe following distance.
• Most motorcycle turn signals do not cancel automatically. If you see a motorcycle coming, and the signal is flashing, please wait a moment for it to pass.

More information can be found by visiting the DMV's web site at nysdmv.com or the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee web site at SafeNY.com.

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