'Start Seeing Motorcycles' Campaign Launched in Illinois aimed at reducing Chicago motorcycle accidents
Jointly the Illinois Department of Transportation, State Police, Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) and A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) launched the Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign, which urges Illinois motorists to share the road with motorcycles and expect to see them soon on Illinois roadways.
Governor Quinn has declared May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and supports the group's efforts for motorcycle safety.
Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys understand the risk riders face especially in the spring time when motorist aren't use to seeing them and the chance for a Chicago motorcycle accidents peaks.
"Under the leadership and vision of Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois experienced an historic and record breaking two-year low in traffic fatalities in 2009 and 2010," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "IDOT continues to stress the importance of motorcycle safety and understands the need for proper attention, dedication and commitment by all motorists and motorcyclists in Illinois. Motorists share equal responsibility for motorcycle safety and are strongly encouraged to share the road and start seeing motorcycles."
In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 5,290 riders were killed and 96,000 sustained injuries in motorcycle crashes. Riders accounted for 14 percent of total traffic deaths. Nearly 50 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents involved a collision with a motor vehicle and most of the time the motorcycle is hit in the front. Illinois had 121 riders killed in 2008.
"The Illinois State Police is committed to the safety of all motorists, and we are proud to partner with IDOT in an effort to raise awareness and reduce motorcycle related crashes," said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. "Inclement weather, road conditions, traffic congestion, and limitations of protective gear, make motorcycle riders susceptible to serious or life threatening injuries, regardless of their experience or skill level. We can all help make this summer safe and enjoyable by practicing safe driving habits and staying focused on the road."
IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety target="_blank">"Start Seeing Motorcycles" campaign and Motorcycle Safety Program are focused on motorist awareness to reduce motorcycle fatalities. The key messages to the motoring public are: as the weather improves the number of motorcycles increases, be considerate of others on the roadways and most importantly "Share the Road". Yellow banners and yard signs have been strategically displayed throughout the community, spreading the message to "Start Seeing Motorcycles".
"When you ride, be aware of your surroundings, others may not see you. Whenever there is a motor vehicle versus a motorcycle accident, most of the time the operator’s comment is, ‘I did not see the bike" said Larry Kolling, GWRRA’s Illinois District Motorist Awareness Coordinator.
IDOT's "Gear Up" campaign is in full swing which focuses on the riders' responsibilities to: keep their bikes mechanically sound, increase their visibility, wear protective clothing, never ride impaired and make sure their license and insurance are current.
The Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys at VanPopering Law Offices offer free consultations to victims and their families who have been involved in an accident in Chicago or the surrounding areas. Call 1-800-767-4878.
