May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a national campaign to help motorcycle riders and drivers safely share the road.

And did you know?  After several years of a declining number of motorcycle accidents across the United States, the trend is unfortunately on its way up.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of motorcyclist fatalities rose 10 percent in 2003, and, historically, approximately two-thirds of all car-vs.-motorcycle crashes have been caused by the car driver.

Why?  First, motorcycles can quickly appear in the blind spot of a driver.  Also, their small size can often disguise them among the many other highway vehicles, merge lanes, and traffic.  Finally, drivers’ attention is often comprised thanks to distractions including cell phones, radios, and other passengers.  The message: motorcycles and car and truck drivers must work together to safely share the roads.

Moreover, this partnership for safety is critical because more and more people are taking up or revisiting motorcycling.  Gas prices too have helped to push commuters to this two-wheeled mode of transportation.  According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the average motorcyclist is 42 years old, with a household income of $56,000, and women comprise nearly ten percent of the motorcycling population. 

What can drivers do?  Look twice.  When you come to an intersection, look left, right, then left AGAIN to check for a motorcycle.  Motorcycle riding is a year round hobby in Florida, so getting in the habit now may safe a life later.

And what can motorcyclists do?  Obey the speed limits and overcompensate for the space you leave between yourself and other vehicles.  Assume drivers will NOT see you on their first check to play it safe.  Finally, wear you protective gear always, especially your helmet.

For more safety information on motorcycle safety from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, visit http://www.msf-usa.org/.