Essential road rules can help motorists safely commute to work every day 

IRVINE, Calif., June 17, 2010 – An estimated one million Americans are expected to swing a leg over their motorcycle on June 21 to help celebrate the 19th annual Ride to Work Day. As more people find motorcycles and scooters to be an economical, efficient and fun way to commute, both drivers and riders can benefit from increased awareness. To help ensure that all motorists get to work safely, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a few simple rules for sharing the roads, on Ride to Work Day and every day. 

Riders: 

1. Get properly trained and licensed – Take an MSF RiderCourse and obtain the appropriate motorcycle license endorsement from your state.

2. Wear all the gear, all the time – Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and eye protection, as well as over-the-ankle boots, gloves, riding jacket and pants.

3. Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs – Riding under the influence dramatically decreases a rider’s necessary skills, especially vision and judgment.

4. Ride within your own skill limits and obey traffic laws – Every rider should know their personal limits, and never ride faster or farther than their abilities can handle.

5. Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher RiderCourses – Riding skills are perishable, so take an occasional refresher course. No matter how often or how long you’ve been riding, there is always room to learn something new.

Drivers: 
 
1. Focus on Driving - Don’t be a distracted driver. Hang up the phone, put down the MP3 player and food, don’t focus on pets and passengers and never text while driving.
 
2. Look for Motorcyclists - Use your eyes and mirrors to see what's around, and check blind spots when changing lanes or turning at intersections.
 
3. Give Two-Wheelers Some Room – Keep a safe distance when following a motorcycle. Don't tailgate, change lanes or pass by too closely.
 
4. Use Your Turn Signals – When changing lanes or making a turn, signal your intentions. Motorcyclists need to know where you’re going just as much as other motorists do.
 
5. Keep it in the Car – Don’t throw trash and cigarette butts out the window, and secure cargo so that it cannot fall out on the road and become a deadly hazard.

By following these rules, both motorists and motorcyclists can decrease the possibility of crashes that may cause serious injury or death. Drivers can visit www.forcardrivers.com to find more helpful hints on sharing the road safely with other motorists.

“Whether on your way to the office or heading home from a day on the job site, workers should be aware of the need to look out for motorcyclists,” said MSF President Tim Buche. “Regardless of how many wheels you have, both drivers and riders need to be aware and respectful of their fellow road users, especially during typical commuting hours when roadways are crowded and people may be tired, distracted or hurrying to get somewhere.”

Started in 1992, Ride to Work Day highlights motorcycling as not only a recreational activity, but also a practical means of transportation that millions of Americans use daily. Motorcycles are useful in easing traffic congestion, decreasing commuting time and preserving the environment, as they require less fuel and other limited resources to operate. Initially organized in the United States, Ride to Work Day is now recognized by the International Motorcycling Federation and is a worldwide event, involving hundreds of thousands of individual commuting riders and dozens of organized rider groups.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider education and training, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer programs for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by Yamaha, Victory, Triumph, Suzuki, Piaggio, KTM, Kawasaki, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Ducati, BRP and BMW. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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