It's Motorcycle Safety Month. The DMV and law enforcement officials are urging cyclists to be extra cautious especially as summer approaches. YNN's Venise Toussaint has more.
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NEW YORK STATE -- “A car pulled right out front of a motorcycle. The motorcycle ended up slamming on his brakes and laying his bike over,” one person said.
According to the DMV, accidents like that aren’t uncommon. In fact, they say motorcyclists are at a higher risk of getting into accidents and are 39 times more likely to die in crashes than people in passenger cars.
“Statistically, motorcycles account for about three percent of registered vehicles in New York, but account for about 15 percent of fatalities so that’s very unsettling,” said one person.
In honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, DMV officials, law enforcement and members of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are urging motorcyclists to be extra cautious on the road, especially as summer approaches.
“You need to pay attention, be aware of your surroundings and don’t be distracted,” said one person.
Rider education classes are offered to teach cyclists the rules of the road, stressing the importance of obeying speed limits, wearing protective and driving responsibly.
“We stress all the gear, all the time,” said Ben Zadronzy.
“It is a higher risk situation then driving in a motor vehicle," said a rider.
Officials say it's important for all motorists, not just those on motorcycles, to share the responsibility of keeping the roads safe.
“A message that I would have for our four wheeled folks who drive with us, is don’t drive distracted. Leave the texting and the chatter, leave that alone, pay attention to what you’re doing behind the wheel,” said Zadronzy.
According to the DMV, there are nearly one million licensed and registered motorists in the state and new motorcycle licenses are up 53 percent compared to this time last year.