“Share The Road” Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

With the weather more beautiful every day, we all pick-up with our outdoor activities that we've missed all winter. For many, there's nothing better on a pretty day than taking a ride. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and we're asking you to "Share the Road" in order to help prevent motorcycle crashes.

The Kentucky Motorcycle Association offers these helpful tips to drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:

- Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.

- Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.

- If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.

- Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.

- Always allow more following distances - three to four seconds - when behind a motorcycle.This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

- Never drive distracted or impaired.

Motorcyclists should also take precautions to remain safe on the road. Motorcyclists can increase their safety by following these steps:

- Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.

- Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.

- Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.

- Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.

- Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.

- Never ride distracted or impaired.

"Share the Road" people. Be aware of your surroundings and we'll all be a little bit safer.