CHP Shifts Focus To Motorcycle Safety In May

As the weather changes and we see more warm days, so too will we see more motorcyclists on California roadways. That's why the California Highway Patrol is shifting its focus to ensuring the safety of these riders. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in California.

"The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of TrafficSafety (OTS) will work together all month long to help reduce the number of motorcycle fatal and injury collisions and to promote roadway safety through education and awareness," CHP officials said in a news release announcing the initiative.

According to the agency, there are more than 884,000 registered motorcycles and more than 1.4 million licensed riders in the state. Last year, 476 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes and more than 14,000 others were injured. The year prior, 494 motorcyclists were killed and more than 13,500 were injured.

"Throughout the spring and summer, the number of motorcyclists on the road will increase," the CHP said. "Creating a safer highway environment is the shared responsibility of drivers and motorcyclists alike."

Agency officials say it's important that motorcycle riders and vehicle drivers alike stay alert and use common sense — and also remain courteous.

"No matter how you travel on California’s roadways, safety should always come first.Motorcyclists and drivers both share equal responsibility for roadway safety," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. "Motorcyclists are sometimes hard to see and are more vulnerable to collisions than other drivers. Be alert, share the road, and look twice for riders."

Some advice from the CHP to motorcyclists includes:

• Always us turn signals
• Avoid riding in a vehicle’s blind spot
• Wear an approved U.S.Department of Transportation compliant motorcycle safety helmet

"Motorists can also do their part by sharing the road," the CHP added. "The majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle collisions are caused when other drivers simply did not see the motorcyclist.

"It is important for motorists to understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists such as size and visibility. Look twice for motorcyclists and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the rider."

CHP officials urged all riders to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). The program, which began in 1987, trains approximately 66,000 motorcyclists per year and there are 120 training sites throughout the state. For more information or to find a training site near you, visit californiamotorcyclist.com.

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone