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After Decrease in North Carolina Motorcycle Deaths in 2008, State Transportation Officials Hope to Continue Rider Fatality Decline in 2009 with Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

North Carolina Governor Perdue is calling the month of May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. His proclamation is part of a nationwide campaign to remind motorists and other drivers that they share the roads with each other and they must do so safely. This awareness will prove especially important in the coming months, as the warmer weather kicks into gear along with the many riders getting on their bikes.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is reporting 142 motorcycle fatalities in 2008?a decline from the 192 rider deaths in 2007. However, AAA Carolinas says North Carolina still has the number eight highest motorcycle death rate in the US. While motorcycles make up just almost 2% of all registered vehicles in the state, they represent almost 12% of all North Carolina traffic deaths.

Just this month, a 21-year-old Onslow motorcyclist died in a single-vehicle crash. Police say that Christopher Steiner may have been traveling approximately 90 mph in a 55 mph zone when he lost control of his bike. His cause of death, according to the Onslow County Medical Examiner?s Office, was blunt force trauma. In another North Carolina motorcycle accident in Lillington, Victoria Allen was charged in the fatal traffic accident that killed Brandon Rodney Brown on US 421.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month seeks to make riders and other motor vehicle drivers aware that they are both responsible for preventing North Carolina motorcycle accidents from happening. AAA Carolinas Offers a Number of safety tips for motorcyclists and drivers, including:

For Motorcyclists:
? Wear a helmet. The Governor?s Highway Safety Program recommends that you use a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard ( FMVSS ) 218 helmet. North Carolina law mandates that motorcyclists wear helmets.

? Before you get on a North Carolina highway, take a state-approved motorcycle training course.

For Other Drivers:
? Don?t share the lane with motorcyclists.
? Signal to indicate your next move.
? Give at least 3 seconds more following distance to a motorcycle than you would another motor vehicle.
? Check your blind spots for motorcycles.

Both riders and the drivers of trucks, cars, and buses are reminded to pay attention when driving.

Gov. Perdue Proclaims May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Media Newswire

Motorcycle riders aim to spread awareness this month, WRAL, May 13, 200

Woman charged in motorcyclist's death, WRAL.com, May 3, 2009

Onslow man killed in motorcycle wreck, WRAL.com, May 5, 2009

Related Web Resources:
AAA Carolinas

Clutch & Chrome

Full post as published by North Carolina Injury Lawyer Blog on May 24, 2009 (boomark / email).