In recognition of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Highway Safety is taking a personal approach to encourage motorcyclists to use proper safety gear when traveling the roadways.
KYTC Secretary Greg Thomas said in a release one of their own employees, Mike Jones, decided to share his story in hopes of saving lives after he was injured while riding his motorcycle on August 13, 2014 when a van turned into his lane.
In addition to promoting helmet use, Jones also encourages riders take a rider safety course through the Kentucky Motorcycle Program, which offers classes throughout the state.
Secretary Thomas emphasizes that while this campaign focuses on motorcyclists, motorists have responsibilities as well and should always check your vehicle’s blind spots by using mirrors and turn signals before changing lanes or making turns.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, per vehicle mile driven, motorcyclists are more than 30 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of cars, and five times more likely to be injured.