Ohio State Highway Patrol
Media Release

 

General Headquarters — Columbus, Ohio

 

For Immediate Release: August 30, 2005
Contact: OSHP - Lt. Rick Zwayer or Sgt. Jon Gray (614) 752-2792
American Motorcyclist Association - Tom Lindsay (614) 856-1900 ext. 1357

 

Patrol, AMA urge safe motorcycling during Labor Day weekend
COLUMBUS– The upcoming Labor Day holiday promises to be a great opportunity for many Ohioans to enjoy a weekend of motorcycling. The final summer holiday can, and should, be safe for motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers if everyone pays careful attention to traffic safety, and complies with the state’s motor vehicle laws. Unfortunately, four motorcyclists were killed in crashes over last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend, three of whom were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Along with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), we want motorcycling to be a safe and enjoyable sport. That’s why this summer we are providing a series of motorcycle safety tips from the AMA as part of our Ride Smart. Drive Smart. partnership, including these tips for a safe holiday weekend for motorcycling:

• Stay Sober. 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. In Ohio during 2004, approximately one-third of all motorcycle fatalities involved an impaired motorcycle rider. Riding "under the influence" of alcohol poses physical and legal hazards for every rider. Learn more through AMA’s national Ride Straight program, www.ridestraight.com.

• Other vehicle drivers, be aware by looking out for motorcyclists. Other vehicle drivers were in error in nearly 40 percent of the 2004 motorcyclist fatalities in Ohio. 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 and attention at intersections.

• Wear the proper safety equipment. Protective safety equipment provides comfort and protection from the elements, injury protection, and through use of color or reflective material, is a means for increased visibility by other motorists. Adult motorcyclists and passengers are encouraged to wear a helmet, eye protection, durable material jacket and pants, and non-slip gloves every time. Bright colors and reflective materials for night riding can also help with visibility for other vehicle drivers.

• Get Trained/Get Licensed. Please, only ride if you have a valid license. In 2004, 40 percent of the motorcycle drivers killed in crashes did not have a valid motorcycle endorsement at the time of the crash. To get your motorcycle license, contact a driver license examination station to make an appointment for the on-cycle examination. Motorcycle rider training is great for beginners and experienced riders to learn about motorcycle operation and how to reduce the risks of motorcycling. For training information, contact Motorcycle Ohio at 1-800-83-RIDER, or visit www.motorcycle.ohio.gov.

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Note to editors: For more information about the American Motorcyclist Association, visit www.AMADirectlink.com or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN. For more information on Ride Smart. Drive Smart. visit, http://statepatrol.ohio.gov/motorcycle.htm.

05-136

www.statepatrol.ohio.gov           A division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety

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