Motorcycle Awareness Month

Colonel Paul McClellan
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

To kick-off Motorcycle Awareness Month, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) are continuing their Ride Smart. Drive Smart. safety education partnership for a second riding season.

Motorcycle safety is a particular concern for troopers as there has been a considerable statewide increase in motorcycle crash fatalities.

In 2005, there were 177 motorcyclist fatalities, a 37 percent increase compared to the average number of motorcyclist deaths over the past five years. As of April this year, there have been 22 fatalities involving motorcycles.

In part to combat the increase of motorcycle fatalities on Ohio roadways, the Patrol reintroduced Motorcycle Units after a 50-year absence. Troopers who will be part of the unit have attended the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s Police Motorcycle Operator Training.

Starting in June, Motorcycle Unit troopers will begin riding in the Columbus metropolitan area, focusing on metropolitan interstate enforcement and conducting motorcycle safety education efforts.

The Patrol and the AMA are stressing three key safety messages to help make the motorcycle riding season enjoyable and safe:

• Ride Trained/Ride Licensed - Only ride if you have a valid license. To get your motorcycle license, contact a driver license examination station to make an appointment for the on-cycle examination. Motorcycle rider training is recommended for both beginners and experienced riders to learn about motorcycle operation and how to reduce the risks of motorcycling. For additional information, visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle’s Web site at bmv.ohio.gov/driver_license/mc_lic.htm.
• Ride Sober (incorporating the AMA’s national Ride Straight program) - Riding a motorcycle takes coordination, balance, and most important, good judgment. Alcohol and drugs, more than any other single factor, can rob you of your ability to think clearly and ride safely. Riding "under the influence" of alcohol and/or drugs poses physical and legal hazards for every rider. Learn more through the AMA’s national Ride Straight program, www.ridestraight.com.
• Drivers, Be Aware of Motorcyclists - To ensure motorcycle safety, everyone must share the road and understand their respective responsibilities and contributions toward safe travel. When driving, please be aware of motorcyclists by taking extra precautions when changing lanes, checking blind spots, and taking extra time to be especially attentive at intersections.