IDOT, State Police and Advocacy Groups Launch
“Start Seeing Motorcycles” Campaign
IDOT Teams Up With Professional Athletes To
Impact Motorcyclists Statewide
SPRINGFIELD — In order to put a spotlight on motorcycle
safety as the 2010 riding season gets underway, Governor Pat
Quinn has proclaimed May Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State
Police (ISP) and motorcycle safety advocates are urging the
public to “Start Seeing Motorcycles.”
The overall number of traffic fatalities in Illinois dropped
from 1,043 in 2008 to 911 in 2009. Motorcycle fatalities
decreased from 135 in 2008 to 130 in 2009.
“We are very encouraged to see a drop in the number of
motorcycle fatalities on our roads and would like to see that
trend continue,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary
Hannig. “This campaign reinforces the importance of motorcycle
safety. We urge every motorist on the road to be on the lookout
for motorcycle riders and to ‘Share the Road’ with them.”
In addition, IDOT has partnered with professional mixed martial
artists and motorcycle enthusiasts Matt Hughes and Gray Maynard
to utilize their messages to directly impact motorcyclists
statewide. Furthermore, Stephanie Reaves, the first woman to
earn an American Motorcycle Association professional drag racing
license, also volunteered to help increase awareness of
motorcycle safety in Illinois.
“Motorcycle safety is a fundamental topic close to my heart and
thousands of riders in Illinois and across the nation,” said
Stephanie Reaves. “Whether I am racing on the track or traveling
on the road, I make sure to wear the proper riding gear and am
always aware of my surroundings.”
IDOT is offering free courses for beginning and intermediate
riders to reduce the severity and frequency of motorcycle
crashes. In 2009, IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety trained
16,701 students in its Cycle Rider Safety Training Program (CRSTP),
which is marking its 34th year in operation. For additional
information on course locations and schedules, go to
www.startseeingmotorcyles.org
“When you ride, be aware of your surroundings, others may not
see you. Whenever there is a motor vehicle versus a motorcycle
accident, most of the time the operator’s comment is, ‘I did not
see the bike” said Larry Kolling, Gold Wing Road Riders
Association’s IL District Motorist Awareness Coordinator.
“The Illinois State Police is committed to sustaining the
downward trend of traffic crash fatalities in Illinois, and
ensuring the safety of motorcyclists,” said Acting Illinois
State Police Director Jonathon Monken. “Troopers throughout the
state will continue to monitor speed limits, check license
endorsements, and enforce “Fatal Five” moving violations.”
ISP offers the following safety tips for new riders all the way
up to seasoned veterans:
- Although Illinois does not mandate wearing a motorcycle
helmet, use of approved helmets, protective body wear, boots
and gloves is strongly recommended.
- Improve your visibility by wearing brightly colored
clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.
- Don’t ride beyond 80% of your riding capabilities. To do
so leaves no margin for the unexpected.
- Don’t become fixed on what’s just beyond your front
tire. Be aware of what’s ahead. Safe riders remain aware of
developing situations 12-16 seconds ahead. This includes
other vehicles, potholes, roadway obstructions, and other
potential hazards. This allows time to plan and react in a
controlled manner.
- In the event emergency braking is required, remember
motorcycles have far better stopping capabilities than cars
and trucks. As you’re avoiding the hazard, scan for a safe
escape route while watching for vehicles approaching from
behind.
- Before proceeding through an intersection, check left,
check front, check right, and check left again. Checking
left first is important because this is the first lane you
cross. Continue to scan in the intersection in a clockwise
pattern, checking traffic approaching in front, in case that
vehicle turns left in front of you. 77% of motorcycle
crashes involving another vehicle happen in this manner.
- Don’t drink and ride. Alcohol slows reactions and
impairs function.
To sign up for and find out more about IDOT’s Cycle Rider
Safety Training Program please visit
www.startseeingmotorcycles.org. |
