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governor perdue praises motorcycle safety

On behalf of the citizens of Georgia, Governor Sonny Perdue is proclaiming May 2006 as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month" to remind motorists of the seasonal return of many motorcycle enthusiasts to Georgia's highways.



"Thousands of Georgia citizens enjoy riding motorcycles, said Governor Sonny Perdue. "I encourage all Georgia drivers to be cautious and observe these smaller vehicles as they return to Georgia's highways this spring."



The awareness campaign is jointly promoted by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) and ABATE of Georgia (American Bikers Active Toward Education). With the participation of other state agencies, traffic safety organizations, law enforcement departments and rider groups, the campaign objective is to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes, injuries and fatalities on our roadways.



"All these groups are concerned with creating a safer environment for all highway users, because during recent years, Georgia has experienced a steady increase in fatal motorcycle crashes, says Director Bob Dallas of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. In 2004 alone, 111 motorcyclists died on Georgia roads. Visibility is a key issue. Most motorcycle crashes occur during daylight hours.



"So the target audience of our awareness campaign includes both vehicle drivers and motorcycle operators," says GOHS Director Dallas. "Our principle concerns are to increase driver recognition of motorcyclists in traffic, while at the same time encouraging motorcyclists to engage in the overall safe operation of their motorcycles."



Motorists are encouraged to always be aware of motorcycles; especially at intersections, when performing lane changes, or passing other vehicles. "Due to their smaller size, motorcycles may be easily overlooked in the traffic flow, especially if traffic is heavy or the driver is in a hurry," says Director Dallas. "Motorists need to be especially alert when making a left turn to insure that a motorcycle is not coming straight through the intersection."



Motorists also need to share the road and remember that a motorcycle is entitled to a full lane. Keeping a safe distance from the motorcycle allows the motorcycle operator the opportunity to maneuver the motorcycle to avoid road hazards or other traffic conditions.



But motorcyclists must remember they have an equal share of safety responsibility on the road. Over two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers of other motor vehicles, not by motorcyclists. The other driver either does not see the oncoming motorcyclist at all, or does not see the motorcyclist in time to avoid a crash. So, riders should always operate their motorcycles in a defensive manner, within the rules of the road, and constantly be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. Motorcyclists should be attired with proper protective riding apparel, including a DOT-rated motorcycle safety helmet.



Operators are encouraged to enroll in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation training offered through the Georgia Department of Driver Services. It's important both legally and for safety purposes that every rider has a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license and that motorcycles are properly licensed.



Motorcyclists must keep in mind that weather conditions, road surfaces and fatigue pose greater problems to them than to other motorists. Motorcycles should be kept in good operating condition using safety and maintenance checks found in the owner's manual. "And it just make sense that motorcycle operators should keep themselves alert and in optimum highway condition as well," says GOHS Director Dallas. "That's why motorcyclists should avoid the use of alcoholic beverages before and during the operation of the motorcycle. There's an abnormally high occurrence of crashes, death and injury among motorcyclists when alcohol or drugs are added to the equation."



Highway safety officials and Georgia motorcyclists ask that all highway users get in the habit of looking for motorcycles as they drive, not just during the safety awareness month but throughout the entire year. Sharing the road safely is an important responsibility for all motorists.



To receive free brochures about "What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Safety" visit the GOHS website at www.gahighwaysafety.org/gohsstore. For more information about Georgia's Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program and how to help drivers and riders be more aware of each other while traveling in Georgia, contact Governor's Office of Highway Safety Program Planner Gary Butler at 404-463-0364.

about the press conference and the photos

On Thursday, May 20th, the press conference for the 2006 Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month was held at the State Capitol. Motorcycle riders from around the state joined GOHS, DDS, ABATE Georgia, and law enforcement agents and elected officials from around the state to spread the word regarding motorcycle safety.



The goal of the Motorcycle Awareness Campaign is to reduce the number of Georgia motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities in 2006. One hundred-eleven motorcyclists died on Georgia roadways in 2004. A moment of silence commemorated the annual loss of life that has nearly doubled in Georgia in the last eight years.



Among the many highlights of the press conference included appearances by State Representative Bill Hembree, Ed Andross from ABATE, Chad Burns from DDS, Jim Collins from the Georgia Cattlemen's Association, Troy Gilleland from the U.S. Army Forces Command, and Terry Schiavone from NHTSA. Each of these gentlemen stressed the importance of motorcycle safety and the strides made in Georgia over the last few years to coordinate efforts in education and state legislation.



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