May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May 1, 2008

Motorists and motorcyclists need to share the road safely

Governor Jim Doyle has designated May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Wisconsin.

In his proclamation, the Governor states, "motorcyclists have the right by law to the safe enjoyment of their vehicles, including the full and equal use of the roadway without encroachment by other vehicles whether it be on city streets or rural and urban highways."

Motorcycles continue to increase in popularity both for recreation and basic transportation. Nearly 465,000 Wisconsin residents have motorcycle licenses or permits and more than 322,000 motorcycles are registered in the state.

"With warmer weather, motorcycles are rapidly returning to our streets and highways. To prevent crashes, motorists need to share the road and watch for motorcycles in traffic, especially at intersections and while making turns or lane changes," says Dennis Hughes, chief of safety programs for the Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety. "On the other hand, motorcyclists must obey all traffic laws, such as speed limits, and must never ride while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Riders also need to protect themselves by using the proper safety equipment and clothing."

Preventing fatal and serious injury motorcycle crashes is a constant challenge. Last year, 110 motorcycle drivers and passengers were killed in Wisconsin traffic crashes compared with 93 deaths in 2006. In addition, more than 2,600 motorcyclists were injured in crashes last year, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

"Education and training continue to be our most important tools for improving motorcycle safety," says Ron Thompson, manager of the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program. "Riding a motorcycle is vastly different than driving a car or truck. To improve their safe driving skills, motorcycle riders, especially those who have not ridden for many years, should consider taking a motorcycle safety course. The demand for these courses is high, but they are well worth the wait. We hope to train more riders than ever this year."

The Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program in partnership with the state technical colleges has graduated more than 104,000 motorcycle riders since 1982.

For more information, contact:
Ron Thompson, Motorcycle Safety Program Manager
608-266-7855, ron.thompson@dot.state.wi.us

Dennis Hughes, Wisconsin State Patrol Bureau of Transportation Safety
608-267-9075, dennis.hughes@dot.state.wi.us