FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	PHONE: 518-473-7000
Monday, May 1, 2006

 

Commissioner Nancy A. Naples of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Chair of Governor George E. Pataki's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today reminded drivers to be aware of motorcyclists on the highways and to share the roadways with the growing numbers of people who ride motorcycles.  Governor Pataki recently proclaimed May as "Motorcycle Awareness and You" Month.

"With the warmer weather motorcyclists will once again begin to travel on our roads and highways and the GTSC reminds drivers to be aware of motorcyclists," said Commissioner Naples.  "I commend Governor Pataki for proclaiming May as "Motorcycle Awareness and You" Month to highlight sharing roadways, obeying traffic laws and developing smart highway safety habits to achieve greater levels of safety for New York's motoring public."

The GTSC recommends that motorcyclists implement the following safety tips to protect themselves and other travelers:

• Take a Motorcycle RiderCourse® to develop good basic riding techniques, sharpen your street-riding strategies and improve accident-avoidance skills. More than 90% of riders involved in accidents had no formal training;
• Ensure that you are properly licensed. A significant number of all motorcycle riders involved in crashes are unlicensed or improperly licensed;
• Wear appropriate gear for comfort and protection;
• Wear bright clothing and use retroreflective material;
• Avoid fatigue and drowsiness, as it can impair a motorcyclist's ability to react;
• Determine your route in advance and coordinate with the other riders when riding together;
• Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride;
• Avoid alcohol and other drugs, as they affect judgment and do not mix with motorcycling;
• Do not speed and know the local traffic laws and rules of the road; and
• Be considerate on the road and show courtesy and respect to other drivers.

New York State participates annually in a national campaign called "Motorcycle Awareness and You" which is designed to inform motorists, truck drivers and pedestrians that the motorcycle season has begun.

DMV also provides the motorcycle road test waiver option and license point and insurance reduction benefits to those who successfully complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's beginning rider course.  The recommended training is offered through the Motorcycle Association of New York State, Inc. at training sites throughout New York State.  Training information is available by calling 1-888-4NY-RIDE.

The GTSC coordinates traffic safety activities across the State and is comprised of 13 member agencies, including the DMV.  The head of each agency acts as that agency's official representative to the Committee, whose initiatives include programs that are designed to promote highway safety.  Commissioner Naples serves as the Chair.

Additional driver safety tips and emergency information can be found by visiting the GTSC's website at www.thesafeny.org or the DMV's website at www.nysdmv.com.