Riding Season Here, IDOT Urging Motorists to “Start Seeing Motorcycles”

The Illinois Department of Transportation was joined this week by Illinois State Police and motorcycle enthusiasts and advocates to launch the latest “Start Seeing Motorcycles” campaign aimed at reducing motorcycle crashes and fatalities in Illinois. To coincide with the effort, Gov. Bruce Rauner has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois for the 32nd consecutive year.

“With riding season in full swing, it is of critical importance that motorists ‘Start Seeing Motorcycles’ and drive extra cautiously,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Everyone needs to do their part. By working together to encourage defensive driving and eliminate distracted driving, we can prevent accidents and significantly reduce traffic fatalities.”

National statistics show that approximately three percent of total vehicle registrations are motorcycles, yet motorcycle accidents account for nearly 15 percent of all vehicle fatalities. According to IDOT’s provisional data, there were 928 traffic fatalities in Illinois in 2014. Of those, 118 were motorcyclists.

Over the next several months, IDOT and its partners will be reminding all highway users that warmer weather brings out more cycles and stressing the importance of sharing the road. Throughout the riding season, “Start Seeing Motorcycles” banners and yard signs will be on display throughout the state, making the public aware that more motorcycles are out and the need to stay alert at all times. In the last four years, more than 12,000 yard signs have been distributed, serving as a strong safety reminder, especially in urban areas where most motorcycle accidents occur.

The awareness campaign also urges motorcyclists to follow the rules of the road and make themselves visible. Motorcyclists are strongly encouraged to wear the proper gear, including high-visibility (Hi Viz) clothing, eye protection, gloves, jackets, pants, boots and a U.S. DOT approved helmet, at all times.

“Any rider, regardless of experience, can become involved in a crash. All riders are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to ensure they are visible to other motorists,” said ISP Lt. Col. Tad Williams. “Riders should always wear the appropriate protective gear, have regular maintenance performed on their motorcycles and take advantage of safety courses.”

“Start Seeing Motorcycles” is made possible by the teamwork with motorcycle organizations, such as A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, that promote motorcycle education, awareness and safety to the general public as well as their members. Each weekend in May, continuing a tradition for the last 28 years, 38 motorcycle groups will be washing windshields at no charge to travelers stopping at Illinois rest areas.

Illinois is one of two states that offer free motorcycle training classes to licensed residents. Since the Cycle Rider Safety Training Program started in 1976, almost 400,000 riders throughout Illinois have learned the basics of motorcycle riding or taken advantage of the opportunity to learn more about motorcycle safety. The program has classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.

To learn more about IDOT’s motorcycle safety program and courses, as well as the state’s motorcycle laws and regulations, statistics, and additional educational materials, please visit www.startseeingmotorcycles.org. You can also check out this short video https://youtu.be/NzxeeXJVI-s for some helpful tips to give you a safe ride.