CHP REMINDS ALL MOTORISTS
THE IMPORTANCE OF SHARING THE ROAD
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – When it comes to traffic safety, some actions bear repeating. May is
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds all
motorists to safely share the road and look twice for motorcyclists.
California is home to more than one million licensed motorcycle riders and an environment that
lends itself to near perfect riding conditions year round. For this reason, it is important that
every motorist remain vigilant while traveling on the state’s roadways.
“Whether a driver is at an intersection or changing lanes, they should always keep an eye out for
motorcyclists. Because motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other vehicles, it can be
difficult for drivers to judge the distance and speed of an approaching motorcycle,” said
Commissioner Joe Farrow.
In 2010, the most recent year for which data is available from the Statewide Integrated Traffic
Records System, 361 people died in California and nearly 11,000 others were injured as a result
of a crash involving a motorcycle.
“In addition to outfitting themselves with the necessary safety equipment and riding gear, it is
highly recommended that motorcyclists seek proper and professional training before beginning
to ride,” added Commissioner Farrow.
Administered by the CHP, the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) offers the Basic
RiderCourse for beginning motorcyclists and Basic RiderCourses 2 for riders who are interested
in improving their skills. The CMSP expects to train 65,000 motorcyclists this year and operates
more than 120 training sites throughout California. Course information and locations may be
found at http://www.ca-msp.org/.
Helping the CHP spread the word about motorcycle safety awareness throughout the month of
May, the California Department of Transportation will display an important message statewide
on their changeable message signs: “Share the Road, Look Twice for Motorcyclists.”
