May is "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month"
As the weather improves, motorcycle riders will be hitting the roads
throughout the country. In anticipation of this, the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration would like to remind motorists to "Share the Road" with
motorcycle riders, while motorcycle riders are reminded to follow the rules
of the road and wear safety helmets and other protective gear that will
increase their visibility. Local organizations are joining with highway
safety and law enforcement in proclaiming May 2009 as "Motorcycle Safety
Awareness Month."
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a national initiative aimed at
getting motorists and motorcyclists to "Share the Road" with each other, in
an effort to save lives. Did you know:
* In 2007, motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the tenth straight
year; during that year, 5,154 motorcyclists lost their lives in fatal highway
crashes.
* Fifty percent of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided
with another type of motor vehicle in transport. In two-vehicle crashes, 78
percent of the motorcycles involved were struck in the front.
* Over 90 percent of all two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a
passenger vehicle in which the motorcycle rider died occurred on
non-interstate roadways.
* Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal
injuries to motorcyclists. For every 100 motorcyclists killed in crashes
while not wearing a helmet, 37 of them could have been saved had all 100 worn
helmets.
The "Share the Road" guidelines advise motorists to remember that
motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any motor
vehicle on the roadway. Expect to see motorcycles at any time, and search
aggressively for them. Motorcyclists are advised to wear brightly colored
protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet. For more information and full
guidelines, please visit: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
SATELLITE FEED:
Friday, May 1st, 2009
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM ET
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NEWS: New "Share the Road" Safety Guidelines Announced for Motorists and
Motorcyclists
FORMAT: B-roll and Soundbites
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Video, contact information and more available at:
http://www.prnewswire.com/broadcast/35204/press.html
SOUNDBITES:
* Christopher Evans, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
* Robert Young, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
* MOS
B-ROLL INCLUDES:
* Riders getting ready and adjusting their gear
* Riders wearing helmets
* Following a motorcycle with proper distance-same lane
* Suburban and urban settings
* Group of riders on the road
* Riders in various traffic situations
* Share the Road
* bumper sticker
VIDEO PROVIDED BY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Contact: FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: MultiVu Media Relations,
1-800-653-5313 EXT. 3
SOURCE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
