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Staff Report

SPRINGFIELD — In order to put a spotlight on motorcycle safety as the 2008 riding season gets under way, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich has proclaimed May Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and motorcycle safety advocates are urging the public to “Start Seeing Motorcycles” and to share the road with motorcycle riders. In addition, IDOT is increasing the number of slots available in its motorcycle safety training program by more than 1,000, and for the first time it will be offering an intermediate course for students who already know how to ride.

“This is the time of year when motorcycle riders are getting back on the roads in large numbers,” said IDOT Secretary Milton R. Sees. “We urge every motorist on the road to be on the lookout for motorcycle riders and to ‘Share the Road’ with them. IDOT also encourages intermediate and experienced motorcycle riders to take advantage of the safety courses that are offered throughout the state. These courses provide an excellent opportunity to brush up on cycle safety.”

“We live to ride, but the bottom line is and always will be safety,” said Toney Buzick, assistant director of the Illinois Gold Wing Road Riders Association. “That’s why we partner with IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety to get that safety message out, both in training for motorcyclists and education for the people we share the road with, urging them to keep their eyes out for motorcyclists during this summer season.”

While the overall number of traffic fatalities in Illinois was down slightly from the previous year in 2007, motorcycle fatalities rose by more than 18 percent from 132 in 2006 to 157 in 2007.

State Police Director Larry G. Trent noted that for the third year, troopers from the ISP’s Motorcycle Enforcement Bureau will be deployed on Interstates throughout the state with the mission of checking for proper license endorsements, speed limit enforcement, reducing fatalities and making other drivers more aware of motorcyclists. Officers will also be enforcing fatal five violations, which include speeding, safety belts, improper lane usage, following too closely and driving under the influence.

In 2008, IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety will be offering a total of 15,961 slots in its Cycle Rider Safety Training Program, which is marking its 32nd year in operation. These courses are held at 60 locations throughout Illinois. This is up from 14,917 slots in 2007. Of the total, 14,841 positions will be for beginning riders, and 705 will be for experienced riders.

ISP also offers the following safety tips for new riders all the way up to seasoned veterans:

— Although Illinois does not mandate wearing a motorcycle helmet, use of approved helmets, protective body wear, boots and gloves is strongly recommended.

— Improve your visibility by wearing brightly colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.

— Be alert for animals alongside and on the roadway, not only in rural areas, but in urban areas as well.

— Don’t ride beyond 80 percent of your riding capabilities. To do so leaves no margin for the unexpected.

— When riding with another motorcycle, stagger your position.

— Don’t become fixed on what’s just beyond your front tire. Be aware of what’s ahead.

— Oil, grease and other fluids from cars and trucks generally collect in the middle of the lane. Avoid these potentially slick areas by riding in the normal wheel tracks of these vehicles.

— In the event emergency braking is required, remember that motorcycles have far better stopping capabilities than cars and trucks.

— Before proceeding through an intersection, check left, check front, check right and check left again.

— Don’t lend your motorcycle to someone without knowing their skill level and making sure they have the proper license.

— Don’t drink and drive. Alcohol slows reactions and impairs function.