Montana Department of Transportation

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders now account for one out of every nine U.S. road fatalities each year - with motocyclist deaths from traffic crashes rising each of the last eight years.

That’s why MDT is joining with other federal, state and local highway safety and law enforcement organizations in proclaiming May 2008 as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month." All motorists are reminded to safely "Share the Road" with motorcycles and to be extra alert when driving to help keep motorcyclists safe.

With warmer weather here, more motorcycles are back on the roads. Drivers of passenger vehicles need to be extra alert. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other vehicles, which can make it difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.

• Make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots



• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.



• Never share a lane with a motorcycle; always allow a motorcyclist the full lane.



• Allow more following distance for motorcycles. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

For additional information on motorcycle safety, including the top rated motorcycle rides in Montana, please see the State of Montana's Official Motorcycle Safety Website - www.ridemt.com.